Richmond Team Ministry
with the Deep Griha Society
India Trip
2-18 August 2008

Being Safe and Healthy in India

Insurance

We will take out comprehensive travel insurance for the group.

Health and Safety

Before we leave we will spend some time talking about safety while we are travelling.

Full risk assessments will be undertaken for the whole trip.

You will find some excellent advice in the Lonely Planet Guide to India (12^th edition, September 2007). See especially pages 1181-1182.

Malaria

It is recommended that we buy and take Malaria tablets for our trip. Usually these begin 2 weeks before and end two weeks after the trip. Your surgery will provide more information.

Vaccinations

Different agencies and surgeries will recommend different vaccinations or boosters if required. For trips of less than a month's duration, the following are commonly recommended:

Some of these will need more than one dose, and it would be wise to visit your surgery to make plans for your vaccination programme.

Recommended (available on NHS)

• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A
• Poliomyelitis
• Tetanus
• Typhoid

Recommended (available for a charge)

• Cholera
• Hepatitis B
• Tuberculosis

Usually recommended for longer trips only

• Japanese B encephalitis
• Rabies
• Meningitis

If the cost of these immunizations is difficult for you, please do be in touch with Lotte and we will try to help.

Once We're There

Common sense and awareness your best guides to staying healthy.

General Hygiene and Health

• Carry leave-on antiseptic handwash with you at all times. Use before meals especially, and after contact with money and other people. Also after using the toilet.
• Avoid use of communal soap and towels.
• Always wash cuts and grazes, and use antiseptic before covering with a plaster or dressing.
• Avoid putting your hands in your mouth (biting nails etc.)
• Tie back hair to avoid catching head lice.
• Always use bottled water to clean teeth and rinse toothbrush (Leave bottle by basin).

In Flight Health

• Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and reduce post-flight tiredness.
• It's a good idea to buy a bottle of water once we have cleared security so that you have one handy at all times.
• Stretch your legs and do foot exercises (up and down and ankle rotations when seated).

Food and Drink

• Drink bottled water only - ensure seal is in tact and bottom of bottle has not been tampered with.
• It is important to stay hydrated. Carry a bottle of water with you at all times.
• Avoid ice cubes and fruit juices or lassis as they may contain contaminated water.
• Avoid pre-sliced fruit, which may have been kept fresh with contaminated water.
• Avoid all salads and unpeeled fruits e.g. apples and tomatoes.
• Keep mouth shut in shower
• Only eat food that you know is freshly prepared. Rice can be one of the most dangerous foods when not fresh.
• Busy restaurants are safer because of the fast food turnover.
• Avoid tourist buffet menus.
• Avoid buying food on the train except for sealed packets of biscuits, crisps etc.

Mosquitoes

• There is a relatively low risk of contracting malaria but mosquitoes carry many other unpleasant diseases that are difficult to treat.
• Avoid getting bitten!
  • Cover up - ankles and wrists are especially attractive to mosquitoes
  • Wear long-sleeved light-coloured clothing from dusk onwards
  • Use strong DEET-based insect repellant
  • Mosquito nets may be provided in some places. You may wish to bring your own.

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© Richmond Team Ministry 2008