Monday, January 25, 2010

Health and Safety advise for Travel to India

India is one exotic destination that every one craves to explore once in a lifetime. However, in your excitement to visit this enchanting country, do not let health and safety take a backseat. To minimize the impact of any unfortunate eventuality, remember to buy travel insurance.

The airplane is a breeding ground for air borne infections as the air you breathe in is re-circulated. Protect yourself with a face mask and ignore those smirks. Although airlines have set stringent health checks at the international airports in view of the recent strike of the deadly swine flu virus which resulted in a tremendous loss of life across the globe, the face masks are highly recommended.

Travelling soon after surgery is not advisable as the atmospheric pressure changes onboard the flight can disturb the healing process. Cabin pressure also worsens symptoms of flu, sinus infection, or head cold. Apply petroleum jelly to your nasal region. It reduces extra tenderness.

It is advisable to inform the cabin crew of any health conditions that you may have. They would know what to do if some emergency arises. Carry a bag load of your prescription medicines. You may not get them anywhere else in the world.

Skip alcohol on a flight as the diuretic effect of alcohol along with the dry recycled airplane air make for a lethally potent combination. In fact, try to carry your own food. Airline food is often known to be very high on sugar and calorie content.

To avoid incessant ear pain on those long flights to India, chew gum, drink plenty of water and swallow often. While drinking water will keep you properly hydrated, chewing gum and swallowing often will take care of ear pain and blockage. This will also exercise your facial muscles.

In addition, blink as much as possible because the dry air sucks out moisture from your eyes. Stretch yourself and try walking at regular intervals. Be sure to exercise your calf muscles. This will not only wrinkle out those irritating cramps and the stiffness, but may very well save your life from a pulmonary aneurism resulting from a blood clot in the leg.

Blame it to the climatic conditions or the lack of community will, India is still home to malaria despite continuous efforts of its eradication. Mosquitoes thrive in the unhygienic conditions that are, in many parts of the country, a bitter reality. Protect yourself by consulting your GP and getting all the required immunizations and vaccinations at least a couple of months before you travel as certain vaccines take up to 6 weeks to reach optimal performance.

Getting hospitalised in India is one thing no tourist would want. However, in case you do land up in one, ensure that its one of the renowned hospitals. Also, in case you were not aware, India boasts highly advanced and high end medical infrastructures and education and training of its doctors. Needless to say, many doctors educated and trained in Indian universities make great careers in countries round the globe.

The list of precautions is endless. If you have taken all the necessary health & safety precautions, then just relax. Board your flight to India and enjoy your India holiday! One last piece of advice though - keep your GP’s number handy.

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