India Travel Health & Safety Guide

India Travel Health & Safety Guide

1. Getting Ready at Home

• Update Your Basic Shots: Make sure you are up to date on common vaccines like Measles (MMR), Tetanus, and Polio.
• Highly Recommended Shots: It is very smart to get shots for Hepatitis A and Typhoid. These are illnesses you can get from dirty food or water. Getting these shots is part of the India Travel Health & Safety Guide.
• Special Southern Shot: If you are going to the warm areas in South India (like Kerala or Tamil Nadu), ask your doctor about the Chikungunya vaccine. It is a newer way to stay safe from specific bugs found in those tropical regions.

2. Eating and Drinking Safely

• Most travelers experience a “stomach bug” due to improper water consumption or overly exposed food.

• The Water Rule: Never drink tap water. Only drink bottled water with a sealed cap. Check that the seal isn’t broken before you buy it. Use bottled water even when brushing your teeth to ensure safety.
• The “Eat Right” Sticker: India has a great system to help tourists. When looking for street food, look for a sticker or certificate that says “FSSAI Eat Right.” This step is recommended in the India Travel Health & Safety Guide.
• Go Vegetarian: Indian vegetarian food is world-famous and usually much safer for travelers. It is prepared fresh and doesn’t spoil as quickly as meat in the heat.
• Things to Avoid: Do not put ice in your drinks (it is usually made from tap water) and avoid raw salads from street stalls. If you want fruit, buy something you can peel yourself, like a banana or orange.

3. Avoiding Bugs (Mosquitoes)

• West Bengal Alert: In early 2026, there is a small outbreak of Nipah virus near Kolkata. If you are in this area, stay very clean and do not drink raw sap from palm trees, as this is how the virus spreads.
• Dengue Areas: Big cities like Mumbai and Bangalore have many mosquitoes. Use strong bug spray and wear long pants and sleeves when the sun goes down.
• Sleep Safe: Most hotels provide an electric bug-killer plug. Use it! This is another tip from the India Travel Health & Safety Guide.

4. Dealing with Air and Heat

• Dirty Air: In Delhi or Mumbai during the winter (October to January), the air can be smoky. If you have asthma or trouble breathing, it is very important to wear an N95 mask when you are outside.
• The Heat: In the summer (March to June), the sun is very strong. Always carry ORS (electrolyte powder) in your bag. Mix one packet with your bottled water if you feel tired or dizzy. This is a key part of the India Travel Health & Safety Guide.

5. Animals and Your Medical Kit

• No Touching: Monkeys and stray dogs may look adorable in photos, but do not touch them. They can carry Rabies, which is very dangerous. If an animal bites or even scratches you, wash the area with soap and go to a big hospital like Apollo or Fortis immediately for a shot.
• Clean Hands: India is a “hands-on” country. Use hand gel frequently, especially after you touch paper money or bus railings or before you eat.

Your Survival Kit Checklist:

1. Probiotics: Start taking these one week before you leave home to make your stomach “tougher.”
2. Meds: Pack medicine for a runny stomach (like Imodium) and plenty of rehydration powders.
3. Digital Files: Save a photo of your India e-Arrival Card and your travel insurance on your phone so you can find them even without internet.