CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends few vaccinations that an India visa tourist should take before entering the country. This is for their safety although not compulsory.
Typhoid Vaccine
This fever is due to bacterium Salmonella typhi obtained through fecal matter, which may be a fatal infection. This immunization is required only if you wish to visit rural areas. One tablet, each for four doses alternately, to be taken one week before exposure. 2 year old children take Typhoid injection. These vaccines are effective 50-80% of the time, so food precaution need not be ignored.
Hepatitis Vaccine
This virus infects the liver leading to fever, giddiness, dark urine and may be jaundice. This vaccine (intramuscular) is taken 2 weeks prior to travel. Combination of A and B vaccine has 3 doses of 0, 1, 6 months which immunizes for 5 to 12 years. India visa travelers below the age of 1 year should take immune globulin and get protection from hepatitis A, which lasts 3 months with mild side effects.
Rabies Vaccine
This virus can be fatal. After a period of 1-3 months, muscular paralysis occurs and death may follow. This vaccine is for India visa travelers planning outdoor actions like camping where exposure to rabies transmitting animals e.g.: raccoons, bats, foxes, cats and dogs, are on a higher side. Three doses on days 0, 7, 21 and 28 are to be given. Side effects of vaccine are mild. This vaccine does not result in rabies. Every 2 years a booster dose is recommended.
Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine
This occurs due to mosquitoes bearing the Japanese encephalitis virus; usually in rural areas. Post 5-15 days of fever, intestinal problems and headache occur, accompanied by weakness and movement seizures. Vaccine has 3 doses at 1 week interval; immunity is for 12 to18 months. No allergic reaction occurs but 30 minutes of patient observation post injection is recommended.
Poliomyelitis Vaccine
It is due to poliovirus affecting gastrointestinal area and the central nervous system, mostly in children. This immunization should be given to new born once they are 6 weeks old. This is safe and effective with no side effects.
India is located near the tropic and is prone to a lot of infectious diseases like typhoid, diarrheal diseases, hepatitis, TB etc. India visa traveler should know which area is mostly affected by which disease. Northern part of India is prone to dengue spread by mosquitoes and amoebiasis, spread by impure water.
Vaccination against Rotavirus diarrhea for Children is recommended. India visa Traveler’s diarrhea (TD) is caused by ETEC. 20%-50% of travelers are affected. Symptoms include increased occurrences of motions, nausea, fever, swelling and abdominal contraction. More than four watery stools may occur. It takes 2 to 3 days with or without treatment.
A preventive measure for India Visa travelers is to avoid less cooked foods and liquid items from road hawkers etc. Traveler must peel bananas or oranges by themselves. Always carry your own water to drink or buy only branded mineral water.
