Going to India?? Of course you are...

The following post is almost entirely written for my own benefit but if anyone else finds it useful then that's fantastic. If any travel gurus out there have any recommendations then please leave comments and email me advice. 

Over the past weeks I have been stockpiling information that I may need for my approaching trip around Asia. The list of absolute necessities is growing by the day and so, before I lose it - It's going on the web.

I am far from a doctor but these are some points i've gathered from Changing Worlds and other well travelled friends. I've research all the information to confirm it's accurate. 

The majority is related to health and hygiene. It seems that little else is needed but for some flip flops, a big bag and lots of common sense.

TO BEGIN. A few handy points that can save everybody some annoying problems:

• Illness - Most of our weak little western tummies won't be able to handle such a drastic change in diet and environment. You may not suffer serious illness but most will at least get a touch of the dreaded 'Dehli Belly'. Don't worry, it is common and it isn't a life or death situation. A simple rule to stick by is simply to give it 48 hours. Still feeling rough? Then get yourself to a doctor because there's a possibility it could be more serious. 
  
  
  
• Nits & Head lice - Almost guaranteed if you're going to do any work in orphanages or schools. Sadly there isn't a great deal you can do other than scratch, wash or shave your head.
  
  
  
• Dogs & Cats - It doesn't matter if the most friendly, bedraggled little doggy is giving you puppy eyes and raising his paw. Do not feed him! India is covered in stray animals and they carry EVERYTHING.  Pet them and you are in jeopardy of being bitten or scratched and consequently run the risk of catching rabies. If you feed them, more will appear and you will be followed for days. 
  
  
  
• Don't be scared of Geckos - As random as this may sound it is highly likely you'll be sharing your bedroom with some of these little rascals. They aren't interested and can't hurt you. Before I start to sound like an animal rights activist the reason for this is simply that they will eat a great deal of the insects in your room. Less insects means a better nights sleep and less malaria for everyone. 
  
  
  
• Bites - In the unfortunate case that you do wake up covered in bites it is important you know what's biting you so you can prevent it happening again. More often than not it will either be mosquitos or bed bugs. Mosquito bites are extremely sporadic whereas the bed bug bites are in lines. Take a look and either buy a new 'mossie net' or follow the instructions below.
  
  
  
• Bed Bugs - If you do find yourself waking up looking like you have chickenpox then it's highly likely you've had a run in with the bed bugs. The bites aren't a serious problem and will just itch for a few days.
  
  Strip your bed and wash your sheets. Take the matress and leave it outside in the sun for a few hours before turning it over and repeating the process. Try to make sure there is no rain forecast for that day! 
  
  
  

HEALTH AND HYGIENE. A stockpile of necessities and other useful 'tit bits':

• Chlorine & Iodine Tablets - Within the cities themselves bottled water is easily accessible, but once you stray off that beaten track into the countryside clean water is a real rarity. Avoid water that isn't running and once you've filled your bottle drop a couple of tablets in. It may taste horrific but a bacterial infection is no fun at all.
  
  
  
• Malaria Tablets - Leave them behind at your own risk. Taking malaria tablets is a good idea for obvious reasons. The disease kills around four million people a year. Just remember that there are a variety of different brands and types so make sure you ask your GP what's best for you.
  
  It's wise to begin taking them around a week or two before you leave for India. The tablets can react in some rather unfavourable ways and it's best to sort that out before you arrive.
  
  Boots sell the tablets in packets of eight for some extortionate prices so it's a good idea to shop around. Private hospitals stock packets of fifty for much lower prices and most decent chemists should too.
  
  
  
• Imodium & Lomotil - There's some split opinions on this subject. Most will suffer some form of diarrhoea but is it better out than in? The answer is yes. If at all possible, leave the Immodium in your bag and spend a day or two in the loo. You're carrying an infection and it's your body's natural way of removing it. 
  
  On the flip side, if you're in the middle of a forty hour train ride then a little blockage can be a welcome break from the constant buttock clenching irritation. It's best left to the judgement of the individual but if you do decide to plug yourself, you should arrive at your destination and give your body the break it needs.
  
  
  
• Dioralyte - Hydration is a permanent problem and anybody new to such a warm climate should be drinking at least eight litres of water a day. If you fail to do so, or lose fluid through sickness then Dioralyte can stem what can become a serious problem.
  
  The mixture of water, sugar and salt is sold in sets of small sachets. Different flavours are available but apparently they all just taste like sea water. Bad luck.
  
  Buying it from the shops can be pretty expensive and several people have told me they just make their own. I don't know the portions but if anybody does - please email me and i'll post it up here. 
  
  
  
• Dettol & TCP - Dirt and germs are EVERWHERE. Use these antiseptic liquids on everything from washing hands to small cuts and abrasions. 
  
  
  
• Baby Wipes - A mini bath. Places to wash on the road are few and far between so some baby wipes can be a real treat. The downside is, if you carry enough to make packing them productive at all then they can be pretty heavy. Most cities in India will sell them so I recommend you wait and buy them on arrival. 
  
  
  
• Syringes - When I was hit with this suggestion images of me injecting life-saving tonics into my own heart seconds before gasping my last breath immediately sprang to mind. Surely the food isn't that bad? Don't worry, it isn't.
  
  Hospitals in large cities may be clean but not all are. If you find yourself needing any kind of injection in a remote area whether it be for a drip or anesthetic you could find yourself feeling very lucky it's not coming from the needle the doc just found in the bin. Be careful though, they aren't allowed with you on the plane so make sure they aren't stashed in your hand luggage.
  
  
  
• Vaseline - Everyone who's suffered cracked lips knows they aren't fun. This is a small and light item that can save some major irritation. Be careful though. The regular Vaseline is an oily substance that will magnify the suns rays and burn you. Vaseline with some sun protection included is becoming more and more common. Look for the yellow versions of those little round pots by the tills in Boots. 
  
  
  
• Savlon
  
  
  
• Talcum Powder - I can't put enough emphasis on how important talcum powder can be. In such high humidity it takes much more than your basic 'roll ons' to keep you dry. When walking long distances the sweat will run down between your legs. This causes the insides of your thighs to rub together and the skin literally, slowly peels off. The sores left behind can be agonising so if you feel it happening, get to a toilet and slap some on in sensitive areas. 
  
  
  
• Athletes Foot Powder - Essential for everybody but particularly those that suffer from it often. If you think you get it bad in the UK, just wait till you get it in India. 
  
  
  
• Anti-Biotics - It's a good idea to take your own because it's so likely you'll run into an infection. Go and see your GP and let them know where you're going. Not all will provide them but some will. It's not essential because you can pick up drugs over a counter in India far easier than you can in the UK but just get an idea of the particular type you may need.
  
  
  
• Mosquito Repellent (containing DEET) - Bring lots of it. They will hike the prices up in India because they know it's only the tourists that use the stuff. The Deet is pretty extreme so be careful you don't get it near your camera or watch because it will melt both.
  
  If you have sensitive skin, nip into boots and spray some on the back of your hand when the assistant isn't looking. Go and have a coffee and after fifteen minutes if your hand hasn't broken out into a rash you should be fine. 
  
  
  
• Mosquito Net - A wise man once said - 'If it carries malaria, then you probably shouldn't sleep with it'. I reckon he's probably right so a good mosquito net is pretty indispensable. Buy one in the UK because it really isn't worth skimping over the price. Make sure it has been impregnated with Deet because then it won't melt when you're covering yourself in the stuff. It's also a good idea to bring some string because places to hang your net can be pretty sparse.
  
  
  
• Vitamin C tablets and Fruit - Bites turn into boils. Boils turn into sores. When you've seen fly-infested sores you'll vow never to allow them to develop. Vitamin C is great for preventing infections and improving general health. Some vitamin C tablets can be a great idea but fruit should be readily available and a real treat from such a tropical part of the world.
  
  Fruits like apples may be washed in unclean water so carry a knife to peel them. Bananas are without doubt the most safe fruit to eat so eat as many as your stomach can handle. They do nothing but good things.
  
  
  
• Brewers Yeast - I'll admit I'm slightly sceptical of this one but many travellers swear by it. It contains vitamins B1 and B2 and all who swear by it claim it heightens energy levels. More importantly it changes skin consistency turning you from a mosquito's dinner at the ritz, to eating rotten eggs off the floor. Think of it as spreading invisible Marmite all over yourself.
  
  
  
• Sunglasses - Probably one of the most common items in the traveller's bag and most people won't need reminding. Sunglasses come in a huge range of prices so it is worth remembering that not all come with UVA protection. Without 100% UVA protection the eyes have no real defence from the sun's most harmful rays. Check the specification of any glasses you buy and remember that in this area - you get what you pay for. 
  
  
  

On top of the above a decent first aid kit should suffice. Boots sell a wide range and prices vary widely. There's no need to spend excess cash getting one with a rocket pack or x-ray glasses because whatever you find in your bathroom cupboard should do the trick. Sharp scissors, bandages, plasters and tape are a good idea and won't weigh you down. 

     Lastly, a penknife is particularly useful. As with the first aid kits there is a wide range available at a wide range of prices but the basics will do nicely. They will cover all your needs and won't cause upset if they get lost. Who needs five different screwdrivers anyway?