Visit a doctor specializing in travel 4 to 6 weeks before leaving for India to get the vaccinations and medications needed to prevent infectious diseases that are present in the country. This is especially important if you are touring the more rural parts of India, where access to medical help is limited.
Pack a supply of over-the-counter medications and supplies such as anti-diarrhea and upset stomach medication, as well as pain/fever reducers, anti-histamines, decongestants, sea-sickness medication and a well-stocked first aid kit. Medicine is available through most major hotels in India but it is often found under different names. Bring your own to ensure the quality and proper instructions for dosage.
Pack a supply of non-aerosol bug spray to prevent mosquito-born illnesses such as Dengue fever. Even in the major cities within India there are mosquitoes everywhere. Make sure you are covered either by clothing or that you have applied bug repellent.
Pack anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitizers to use often while in India. Bathrooms with soap are not always available to wash your hands so carrying your own is advisable. The wipes are also useful for cleaning tables before meals or other surfaces you come in contact with.
Contact your insurance company to see if you have international health insurance. Even though most major cities in India have private medical facilities to treat minor illnesses inexpensively, a more serious illnesses may require evacuation to Singapore or another international city. Know before going what your coverage is in case of an emergency.
Do not drink any water from the tap, including ice cubes. Drink mineral water from a factory-sealed bottle. If the seal on the bottle is broken, do not consume it. Avoid using tap water to brush your teeth; bottled water should be used instead.
Drink only beverages that come in sealed containers with the exception of hot tea and coffee. Avoid fresh fruit juices because you never know where the juice was prepared. Most hotels and restaurants offer a selection of canned juices, sodas and cold teas for the guests.
Eat only at restaurants that are recommended to you and avoid eating at street hawkers. Order your food from the menu so it is freshly prepared and you do not have to worry about how long the food has been sitting out before you eat it. Buffets are often prepared early in the morning and are kept warm until they are finally consumed. This can breed bacteria so it is better to eat freshly prepared food.
Do not eat any cut fresh fruit or cold salad items. Stick to fruit that you can peel yourself or that has its skin intact so you can wash it. Since raw fruits and vegetables are not cook before being served, if they were not cleaned properly, they can carry bacteria.
Avoid drinking fresh milk or dairy products; only consume pasteurized dairy products in India. Non-pasteurized dairy products can contain bacteria that can make you sick.
Avoid touching or petting animals that roam the streets. No matter how cute the kitten or puppy looks they can carry rabies and it is advisable to avoid all contact. Teach children this rule too when they are visiting India because they are much more likely to try to pet an animal.
Always wear your shoes while traveling in India. If you are going to beach, wear water shoes both on the sand and in the water. This prevents you from getting parasites that live in the soil or sand and protects your feet from sharp objects that can cut your foot.
