HEALTH
Taking care of your health is crucial to enjoying your travels in Gujarat. The right vaccinations and proper precautions with food water and mosquitoes can protect you from both minor irritants major diseases.
Immunizatoins
No Immuniozation are required for entry into India, but taking the time to get vaccinated can prevent unnecessary health problems on your journey. Before departure, make sure you are up –to- date with routine immunizations such as tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Visit your doctor at least six weeks before your departure to allow enough time for vaccinations that cannot be administered at the same time or for those that need to be given in multiple doses.
For the most current information on vaccinations, outbreaks and other travel health information, visit the following sites:
US Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
World Health Organization (WHO)
www.who.int
Travellers Medical & Vaccinations Centers
www.tmvc.co.au
Most sources strongly recommend that you take vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis Japanese B encephalitis prior to arrival in India.
General Precautions
Contaminated water and food are the leading causes of most health problem you may experience in Gujarat. Although diarrhea and upset stomachs are common problems while traveling the subcontinent, they can be avoided or minimized by observing a few simple precautions.
Wash your hands regularly with soap to avoid bacterial infection. You can also carry hand-sanitizer when water or soap is not available.
Drink clean water (See Water Purification) and stay hydrated .Make sure your water is bolied or filtered and only purchase trusted brands of bottled water. Make sure the seal is intact before buying a bottle. Always crush bottles before discarding them to prevent others from refilling and selling unsafe water.
Water Purification
Contaminated water can be a major health hazard in India. In remote areas, where bottled or filtered water is not available, the best option is to boil water for at least five minutes before drinking. Strain the water through a cheesecloth to remove any larger particles. Water can also be treated with large purification tablet but the quick- dissolving varieties of these may not be readily available in handy packs.it may be best to brings these with you. If you do buy these tablets in India, be sure to check their expiry date. Another option is to brings a portable water filter, but be sure to research your options and ask about a suitable model for your needs while in India.
Avoid ice and anything containing ice as it could be made with unsafe water. Naariyal pani
(coconut water) is the safest natural alternative Make sure your chass (buttermilk) is mixed with filtered water. And juice vendors will usually make drinks without ice (and sugar) if you ask
Wipe wet plates and cups dry before using them. Wash and dry fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them; when water is not available, peel them.
As rule, the hotter the food, the safer it is practice caution when eating street food and avoid places with questionable hygiene and sanitation practices. When not careful, street food is one of the easiest ways to contact a bacterial infection or worse.
Stomach Related problems
DIARRHEA – This is the most common ailment for many visitors to India. It is caused by a number of factors including excessive heat and spicy food, but the main source of contamination is through food and water. Follow the information under General Precautions to prevent most cases of diarrhea is accompanied by a fever or persists for several days, visit a physician.
Diarrhea
What to Eat :-
What to Avoid
CONSTIPATION Also a common health problem for travelers, constipation is often induced by immobility, inadequate fluid intake and/ or change in diet. To prevent constipation, increase fiber intake and include some of exercise in your daily routine. For treatment, drink plenty of water and eat lots of peeled fruits (except bananas), Vegetables, nuts and dried Fruits. Try to cut down on meat in all forms.
Mosquito Borne Illness
The best way to avoid mosquito borne illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites as advised below. Anti-histamine tablets, calamine lotion and cool baths help soothe the itching in case you are bitten. Avoid scratching to prevent infection.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
Mosquitoes bite most often between dusk and dawn. To minimize bites, wear long sleeves, pants, and light socks to protect your body. Avoid dark-colored clothing as it attracts mosquitoes. Sleeping under a mosquito coils (available at most local shops), using electrically heated liquid repellants (like All Out, a popular local brand), wearing insect repellant cream (odomas is widely available locally), or any repellant containing DEET (Higher concentrations last longer) are all effective ways to protect against mosquito bites.
MALARIA Generally to contract malaria the infected mosquito must bite you several times. The disease is always serious and can be fatal in the absence of timely treatment. Symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue`. Fever in your first week of travel is unlikely to be malarial drugs are available In the market, each with range of benefits and drawbacks. Discuss the option with your physician. Note: chloroquine is NOT an effective anti-malarial drug for India
DENGUE FEVER This viral illness is transmitted by a mosquito that bites only during the day. Symptoms usually begin with the abrupt onset of high fever and headache. Severe muscle and joint pain is followed by red splotchy rash that can resemble measles as it progresses. The disease can only be diagnosed through blood tests. There is no treatment, but high fluide intake and plenty of bed rest are critical to recovery.
JAPANESE B ENCEPHALITIS Mosquitoes that breed in rice fields are the main carriers of this viral illness, and while Gujarat has few rice fields, it is possible to contract it in other areas of India. If you experience an abrupt fever accompanied with headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck, sensitivity to light, altered mental state, and drowsiness, seek immediate medical attention.
Environmental Hazards
Hot climates can lead to heat rash, exhaustion, sunburn, or worse. The best policy is to drink plenty of fluids and consume salty foods, while avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Eating onions also minimizes the possibility and severity of heat rashes. When spending time under the sun, try to use SPF 30 sunscreen. If you do gel sunburned, drink plenty of water and apply aloe vera if available.
RABIES This potentially fatal infection can be transmitted through the saliva of any infected animal, even through something as harmless as a lick. In Gujarat, the most common hazard comes from stray dogs. Foaming at the mouth is a sign of rabies. so avoid any animals fitting the description. Seek out rabies treatment under medical supervision immediately if bitten by any animal.
FUNGAL INFECTIONS Usually brought on by the combination of hot weather and moisture, these infections can occur anywhere on the body with the scalp, pubic area, and feet being the most common places. To avoid fungal infections, wear loose, non-synthetic clothing, bathe yourself frequently and dry yourself thoroughly. If you contract an Infection, it is important to follow through the full course of anti-fungal shampoos, creams, or tablets as prescribed by your physician.
INTESTINAL WORMS Parasites can enter the body through skin, contaminated food and / or contaminated water. Common symptoms include rectal itching, rashes on the body, fever, weight loss and chronic fatigue. To minimize your risk, avoid walking barefoot in tropical areas or places with open sewage and take proper precautions against contaminated food. If you contract intestinal worms, visit your physician for the proper course of de-worming medication.
HIV/AIDS
The HIV virus is most commonly contracted through sexual contact and blood. It is strongly advised to have safe and protected intercourse with new partners. If you require any shots In India, the best practice is to ask to see the syringe unwrapped in your presence. Diabetics should carry pre-packaged sterile syringes in the event of emergency. If you require a blood transfusion, only go to hospitals where blood is screened for the HIV virus. You should also take sensible precautions against body piercing, tattooing, and street-side shaves by asking for sterile needles and new blades.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
MENSTRUATION Local brand sanitary napkins are readily available in Gujarat. If you prefer tampons, you should bring your own supply. Disposing of sanitary pads and tampons in rural areas can be difficult in the absence of a centralized waste management system. The best option is to wrap them in newspaper, pack them in a tightly sealed bag and discard them when you reach a larger town. During travel, it is normal for periods to become irregular as a result of mental and physical stress. In case of heavy bleeding, consume extra iron to avoid anemia.
BIRTH CONTROL Your regular brand of contraceptive pills may not be available in Gujarat. so pack enough to last the whole trip. Major stomach infections (diarrhea and vomiting) decrease your body’s ability to absorb the pill, so use condoms to guard against unwanted pregnancy. You may want to bring your own condoms, as the quality of those available on the local market varies.
VAGINAL YEAST INFECTIONS If you are prone to yeast infections, they can recur in warm. moist climates. Packing extra medication from home Is the quickest possible treatment. Birth control pills, tight clothing, and nylon underwear can all encourage yeast infections.
VITAMINS B12 AND IRON DEFICIENCY Due to a predominantly vegetarian diet, deficiencies in B12 and iron are more common in Gujarat. A shortage of either can cause fatigue, memory loss, low immunity and worse. Bring natural supplements from home to maintain normal B12 levels. Increase your iron intake through leafy greens, beet , dates, figs and lentils coupled with fruits and vegetables high in vitamins C to improve your absorption levels.
HOME REMEDIES
DIARRHEA Buttermilk taken with a pinch of salt three or four times a day can help settle the stomach. Another remedy is to mix one spoon of rot (mustard seeds) with a drop of oil or ghee. Swallow the rai with a glass of water. Do this two to three times a day until the diarrhea passes.
COMMON COLD At the first sign of a cold, cough or sore throat, boil tulsi leaves, a few black peppercorns, crushed cloves, and some crushed ginger in water until the mixture becomes dark brown. Then add a little honey or Jaggery, Drink it while hot.
COMMON FEVER Boil several tulsi leaves in a half liter of water, and mix with a half cup of milk, one teaspoon of sugar and a quarter teaspoon of powdered elaichi (cardamom). Drink this mix twice a day to bring down the temperature.
CONSTIPATION Take a spoon of Isabgol(psyllium husk) with a bowl of yogurt. Otherwise eat one to two guavas with the seeds or a medium sized papaya at breakfast to clean out the colon.
CUTS. SCRAPES AND SPRAINS Pack cuts with turmeric powder and for sprains, apply a paste of turmeric and salt and wrap it with a bandage. Turmeric actually has an infinite list of medicinal value, but in this case it is used to clot blood and doubles as an antiseptic.
Replenish your Body’s Water Loss
All medical stores carry oral rehydration salts (ORS), which effectively replace lost minerals and salts. In case these are not available, mix half a teaspoon of salt and eight teaspoons of sugar in a liter of mineral water. Add lemon or lime to improve the taste. The local version, known as nimbu pani, is also a popular drink often flavored with black salt and cumin.
Know your Drugs
Some doctors in India prescribe a handful of pills even for the common cold. It is a good idea to ask your doctor about what he Is prescribing and why. Get a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with the diagnosis. The following Is a list of genetic names for medicines so that you know what you are taking. Most drugs can be bought over the counter for a fraction of the price back home. These may come in handy for some of the more basic health ailments.
Drugs Name:
Acid Reflux
Antibiotics
Antidiarrheals
Antifungals
Antimalarial
Antiparasitics medicines
Cold, Cough, Runny Nose and Anti- histamine Meds
Headache, Fever
Muscles & joints pains, Headache
Steriod Creams
NAVIGATION
GUJARAT PACKAGES
HOTELS IN GUJARAT
GUJARAT TOURISM
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