A forewarned yogi is worth two: well prepared, you leave with a light heart, in safety. Here is the essential travel health for a stay in South India.
Vaccines and travel kit
No vaccine is compulsory for the Indian subcontinent (but be up to date with your vaccinations). If you are on treatment, bring your medicines. Prepare a small emergency kit: dressings, painkillers, anti-diarrhoeals, laxatives, remedies for colds and sore throats, vitamin C. Beware of the sun and heat (sunstroke, dehydration). Pharmacies are plentiful on the spot.
Protecting against mosquitoes
As malaria evolves, ask about prophylaxis according to your itinerary. Against mosquitoes (vectors of chikungunya): from 5:45 pm, wear long clothing and protect feet and ankles; impregnate clothing with repellent and apply it to the skin every 4 to 6 hours. For infants under 3 months, an impregnated mosquito net is the only effective means. Lotions, sprays and sunscreens are available locally.
Water and traveller’s diarrhoea
Always drink bottled water with a sealed cap, and hot drinks like chai. Traveller’s diarrhoea is caught through water or food: drink clean, lightly salted water to avoid dehydration, take activated charcoal; if that is not enough, Imodium, then, as a last resort, a fluoroquinolone-type antibiotic. Prevention remains the best method.
On the spot and on return
In Mahābalipuram: several doctors (Western medicine), an Ayurvedic doctor, a small hospital (Suradeep Hospital, 15 Thirukumam Street) and, 20 km away on the Chennai road, a large modern hospital (to be preferred). On return, if symptoms persist (gastrointestinal trouble, skin infections, fever), tell your doctor about a stay in Asia. Useful info: the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Santé Voyage, traveling-doctors.com.
