Health / Vaccinations: India is a demanding physical environment. You will be encountering food you are not familiar with, germs your immune system has only had nightmares about and enough bumps in the road to shatter even the strongest western constitution. Be strong, fit and prepared.

Get a physical. Make sure you are generally in good health. If you have been putting off a visit to the doctor, now is the time to go. You do not want to find out in the middle of India that you need serious medical attention. Although there are places to get health care in India, they generally do not measure up to western standards.

Get your vaccinations. Your doctor / healthcare provider probably has a travelers clinic. Take their recommendations based on where you plan on traveling. This might required a few unpleasant injections but it is well worth it. Make sure to do this at least a month in advance.

Other Medications. If you take medications, make sure you have a sufficient supply. Additionally you should consider bringing some type of pain reliever and an anti-diarrhea medication. Some people have told me they got an antibiotic from their doctor to bring with them.

Most typical off the shelf and prescription medications are easily available in Indian cities. These may be name brands that you recognize and/or European or Asian brands of good quality. They are also very cheap compared to the west.

Get some exercise.. You will be getting plenty in India, so be ready for lots of walking, carrying your luggage etc. Take your new pair of shoes out for a long walk to break them in. If you are taking a backpack, try it out. Load it up and find a trail to hike. This will both get you used to your equipment / shoes and get your body ready for more activity that you might be used to.

Health Considerations

• See your doctor
• Pain Reliever
• Anti Diarrhea Medication
• Exercize

My Experience: I have an ungodly fear of doctors, but even I went prior to my travels - and I am glad that I did. Seeing the doctor may or may not have had any influence on my good health in India, but once I acclimate to being in India I find myself feeling more healthy there than at home.

The few occasions where I had to visit a chemist yielded good results. For instance I got an antibiotic for a sick traveling companion that fixed her up overnight. Best $2 I ever spent.