Risk / Health Info for India

What shots should I get for going to India?

Before you leave for India, make sure your shots are up to date, including polio and measles. Protect yourself against gastrointestinal illness such as hepatitis A, typhoid and cholera, which are spread by contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

If you are planning to visit India frequently or stay for a long time, consider getting a hepatitis B shot, which protects you if you come in contact with infected blood or body fluid. People who work in healthcare or dentistry should be vaccinated. Hep B can also be spread by unprotected sex, dirty or shared needles (including those used in tattooing or piercing), and invasive medical or cosmetic procedures.

A Japanese encephalitis shot is also a good idea, particularly if you will be staying in a rural area. Other mosquito-borne illnesses in India include Zika, chikungunya, dengue fever, lymphatic filariasis and, in some areas of the country, malaria. Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant might choose to avoid visiting India. Leishmaniasis can be contracted by sandfly bites. Protect yourself from mosquito and other bug bites by using a reliable insect repellent, wearing light-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible, and sleeping in air-conditioned accommodation or under a bed net.

Tuberculosis is also present in India, so talk to our travel experts about how to protect yourself.

Reduce the risk of “travellers’ diarrhea” by using only commercially bottled water for drinking and ice cubes. Don’t eat food that you have not peeled it yourself or that has not been cooked or boiled.

Delhi often has poor air quality, so travellers with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma should take care.

What is healthcare like in India?

The quality of healthcare facilities is generally good in major cities in India but is often limited or not even available in rural areas. Private facilities can provide higher levels of care, and are expensive. Expect to pay in advance or to confirm you have travel insurance. Remember that your Canadian health plan does not cover you outside the country, so consult your provincial or territorial health authority before you leave for India. There are decompression chambers in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

The phone number for medical emergency is 102.

Altitude in India

Parts of India are higher than 2,400m, and travellers planning to spend time at a high altitude should take steps to protect themselves against the potentially life-threatening acute mountain sickness. Your healthcare provider can help with this.

Dengue fever in India

There have been cases of the mosquito-borne virus dengue fever in India. Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever because of the severe bone, joint and muscular pains it causes, in addition to flu-like fever and headache. There is no vaccine for dengue fever. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Sleeping with mosquito nets is also recommended.

Malaria in India

Malaria prophylaxis will be required for some parts of India at certain times of year. There is no malaria vaccine, but there are anti-malaria drugs that should be taken before, during and after travelling to certain at-risk countries. Speak with your healthcare provider six weeks before your trip, as not all prophylaxis regimes are appropriate for all regions and all individuals.

polio in India

Zika in India

Global Affairs Canada has issued a warning about the risk of contracting Zika in India. Zika is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should take advice before travelling to India. Zika symptoms include rash, itch, mild fever, headache, red eyes, muscle and joint pains. Avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellents (50% DEET) and by wearing protective clothing. Mosquito nets and air conditioning should be used when sleeping.