India demands yellow fever certificates from travelers arriving from Africa, Latin America and Papua New Guinea. Other shots, although not legally required, are advisable. Typhoid, polio and tetanus are important. A gamma globulin injection against hepatitis A immediately before departure is also recommended. Many countries demand that travelers from India have an up-to-date cholera vaccination. A vaccination against rabies is now available, but you must visit the nearest hospital following any bite from a dog or monkey for a further course of shots. Malaria is still widespread in many parts of India. Advice as to which pills to take is constantly being revised and it is best to seek advice from your local travel center or clinic before departure. Courses must be continued for four to six weeks after you leave India. You may want to put together a basic medical kit in advance of departure; this could usefully include something against diarrhoea, antiseptic cream, lip salve, mosquito repellent and soothing cream for bites, suntan lotion, water purification tablets, if bottled water is not available, and elastoplast. If you do have stomach problems soon after arrival, you are advised to drink lots of fluids (water with a little salt and sugar) and keep to a simple diet for a couple of days to give your system time to adjust. If the problem should worsen, however, seek medical advice.

There are a few things not to do which will make your stay more comfortable. Never drink tap water (often hotels provide flasks of filtered water and bottled water is available almost everywhere). Avoid salads, even in hotels, and do not eat the street food until you have tested the strength of your stomach.

Exciters are the alpha viruses, which will be transfered by mosquitoes . An inoculation is not possible, since there is no appropriate medicine . Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Use insect repellents that contain DEET. If no screening or air conditioning is available use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours and sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones. Hepatitis Type A and hepatitis Type B

A increased infection risk exists throughout the country. Transmission of Hepatitis B can occur through activities that involve contact with blood or blood-derived fluids. Transmission of Hepatitis A can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested from sewage-contaminated water; or from fruits,vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling To protect yourself do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing or injections and only drink bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. Always use latex condoms. A preventing inoculation is recommendable.

Bird flu virus

In India the virus was not proven in humans. Most cases of H5N1 influenza in humans are thought to have occurred from direct contact with infected poultry in affected countries. Contact with sick or dead poultry as well as with poultry that have no apparent symptoms should be avoided. Contact with surfaces that may have been contaminated by poultry feces or secretions should also be avoided.To protect yourself avoid poultry farms, bird markets, and other places where live poultry is raised or kept.Meals, which were heated up on over 70 degrees, can be eaten heedlessly.

Infections by contaminated meals or beverages

Hepatitis A, typhoid fever, diarrhea and vomiting or worm-related diseases will be transfered by contaminated meals and beverages. To protect yourself do not eat food purchased from street vendors or food that is not well cooked to reduce risk of infection. Do not drink beverages with ice (No ice please!). Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Rabies

Particularly by the increase of roaming, abandoned dogs a increased risk of the infection exists.World-wide India is the country with the highest infection rate. To protect yourself do not handle animals, especially monkeys, dogs, and cats, to avoid bites and serious diseases. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas.

Malaria

There is a risk in the north and the west of the country. Protect yourself from mosquito insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats when outdoors. Use insect repellents that contain DEET. If no screening or air conditioning is available use a pyrethroid-containing spray in living and sleeping areas during evening and night-time hours and sleep under bed nets, preferably insecticide-treated ones.