India has it all, beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, peaceful temples, safari's, holy men, spice bazaars, chaos, beggars, great shopping and a seductive array of food. It's no surprise thousands of tourists and travellers are drawn to its exotic and exciting shores every week. Home to over a billion people, at times it can often feel as if they are all in the same city as you! If you have never been to an Asian country before then it can be quite a culture shock, particularly when you first leave the safe environment of the airport and the heat, crowds, sounds and smells hit you full in the face. But you don't have to stay in the cities of course, arrange for a domestic flight or train and make your way to the beautiful sea shores of Goa, where the sultry sun soaked beaches of Anjuna, Baga and Dona Paula have something unique to offer. Or head south to Kerala and seek out Kovalam, Marina and Juhu. If you've never been to India before it can be a bit scary just because you don't really know what to expect, however make sure you are fully prepared before leaving and you shouldn't have any problems. Pay a visit to a local travel clinic or your own doctor about 6-8 weeks before you leave and get advice on necessary vaccinations and precautions to protect your health. For India you need to have typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations, it can also be a good time to ensure you're up to date with tetanus and polio shots too as these are important whatever country you're in. If travelling to India directly from the UK then there's no requirement for yellow fever vaccination, it's only necessary if you have arrived from an area where it's a risk. If you are backpacking for extended periods in rural regions then it's a good idea to get the rabies vaccination too, however if you are just in India on a package holiday then it's not necessary. Depending on which areas you are planning to travel to there is a risk of malaria, a serious and sometimes deadly disease transmitted by mosquitoes. You can't be vaccinated against this disease which is why it's particularly important to take anti malaria tablets. Generally, high altitude regions, such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir and Sikkim pose little or no risk, whilst any area that's below 2000m all year round is a malaria risk. Ask about them when you go for the injections and the clinic will be able to identify whether malaria is a problem in the area you are travelling to. The recommended drugs are a mixture of chloroquine and proguanil (Paludrine). Chloroquine is taken just once a week, and proguanil once a day but you have to start taking this a week before you travel and for 4 weeks after your return to the UK. They are both easily available from Boots chemists or any other large pharmacy, or buy them online for ease and convenience. Try to avoid getting mosquito bites in the first place simply by covering up with light long sleeved tops and trousers and applying mosquito spray containing DEET at dusk when the insects are most prominent. If you're staying a budget hotel then check it has mosquito nets over the bed or take one of your own just in case. If you experience a fever whilst travelling or when you get home then go and see a doctor immediately. Malaria can develop even up to one year after exposure. Once you're actually there then stay healthy by following some basic rules. Never drink the water from the tap as it is unfit for consumption. You'll find plenty of places selling bottled water for a few rupees, there are 2 types, packaged drinking water which has been treated and suitable for drinking, and pure mineral water obtained naturally from an underground source and hygienically bottled. Both are safe to drink, although mineral water is better as its chemical free. There are plenty of people who get food poisoning in India so be careful about where and what you eat. Try to avoid buffets and only eat food that is cooked fresh and hot. You'll know the good restaurants to eat at as there will be lots of other diners there. Also watch out for washed salads, ice in your drinks, and fresh fruit juice which could well be mixed with water. Although India is not for everyone you will get used to it and it has to be one of the most exciting and captivating places you will ever experience. Buy your malaria tablets online and get them delivered to your door.
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