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Vaccination and endemic disease preparation in India — Dengue, malaria, typhoid fever prevention, mosquito measures

India Vaccination Camp Site – Vaccination and health care against endemic diseases in India
Muzammil (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

The most underestimated item in preparation for taking up office in India ishealth preparednessno see. Everyone takes care of housing contracts and school issues, but it's easy to put off vaccinations and mosquito measures, saying, 'I'll think about it later.' However, if you actually experience it, you will find that the order is reversed. At the end of the monsoon, the internal medicine and pediatric departments of hospitals in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida are crowded with patients with fever, many of whom are infected with mosquitoes.Dengue feverno see. Although diseases that are transmitted through water and food, such as typhoid fever and hepatitis A, can be largely prevented by getting vaccinated before leaving the country, it is not difficult to see cases of people suffering after coming here without getting vaccinated.

This article is for Korean expatriates and their families preparing for life in India.Vaccination checklist before departure → Symptoms and prevention methods of major endemic diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and typhoid → Practical mosquito measures at home and when going out → Response order when fever occursWe have organized it step by step. This is based on my experience living in Delhi NCR, but most of the same applies to other cities as well.

As a reminder, this article is general information and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or prescription. Vaccinations and whether or not to take preventative medications vary depending on the region, period, and health status of your stay, so consult with a travel medicine specialist or public health center before leaving the country, and check official channels such as the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency for the latest information.

01Pre-departure vaccination checklist — start 4-6 weeks in advance

To conclude, if you enter the country by direct flight from Korea,In principle, there are no mandatory vaccinations required by law when entering India.. The only exception is yellow fever. Travelers aged 9 months or older who depart from countries with yellow fever risk, such as Africa, Central and South America, or who stay or transit for more than 12 hours in such countries, must present a valid, internationally recognized yellow fever vaccination certificate (ICVP, 10 days after vaccination) when entering India. Failure to submit one may result in quarantine for up to 6 days. However, ‘not required’ and ‘not necessary’ are completely different things. If you are staying for a long time, it is safe to take the vaccines below in the recommended order.

vaccineRecommended fornote
Hepatitis AVirtually required for long-term staysTwo doses administered at intervals of at least 6 months. Even if you only get one shot before leaving the country, it has a protective effect for a considerable period of time, so the remaining shot is often given when you temporarily return to your country.
typhoidVirtually required for long-term staysBased on the injectable type, revaccination is usually recommended every 2 to 3 years. Since the prevention effect is not 100%, it is necessary to follow water and food hygiene rules together.
Tetanus/Diphtheria (Tdap)People who have had 10 years since their last vaccinationBasic preparation for life in India, where the risk of traffic accidents and injuries is high
Hepatitis BAdults without antibodiesVaccination if necessary after antibody test
Japanese encephalitisLong-term residents/business travelers in rural areasPopular in some parts of India. Consult with a specialist depending on your area of ​​stay
Rabies (pre-exposure vaccination)Families with children/long-term residentsThere is a risk of contact with abandoned dogs and monkeys, so consultation is of great value. If bitten, go to the hospital immediately, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated or not.
influenzaeveryoneIn India, flu occurs even during the monsoon season, so vaccination is recommended once a year.

Where and when should I get it right?

  • During the vaccineSomething that needs to be administered multiple timesTherefore, start planning your vaccination at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure.
  • Vaccination is available at public health centers and general hospital travel medicine clinics (international travel clinics). Organizations handling each item can be found on the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency website.
  • After vaccinationEnglish vaccination certificatePlease have it issued together. This is useful when vaccination records are requested for medical treatment at Indian hospitals or for international school admission documents.
Vaccination before leaving India — Preparation of vaccine vials and syringes, hepatitis A and typhoid fever vaccinations
Some vaccines, such as hepatitis A and typhoid fever, require multiple doses, so it is best to start vaccination 4 to 6 weeks before departure. · The wub (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

02Dengue fever — the biggest scourge of Delhi NCR monsoon season

By far the endemic disease with the greatest perceived risk in Delhi NCR isdengue feverno see. dengueAedes mosquitoes and Aedes mosquitoes that are active during the dayIt is carried by mosquitoes, and these mosquitoes live in areas such as flower pot holders or water tanks even in urban apartment complexes.stagnant waterIt breeds in. The season is approx.From the second half of the monsoon to immediately after (July to November), the peak occurs in October to November (in many years, November is the peak depending on the year).During this period, the number of dengue patients and quarantine news appear almost every day in the Delhi area news.

If you have these symptoms, suspect dengue.

  • suddenHigh fever of 38 to 40 degrees
  • severe headache andpain behind the eye
  • Muscle pain and joint pain that can be described as ‘feeling like a broken bone’
  • Rash that starts on the torso and spreads
  • in blood testsDecreased platelet count

There is no special medicine for dengue, so the basic treatment isHydration and restno see. Antipyretics are a mustParacetamol (acetaminophen)It should only be used,Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Most people recover within 1 to 2 weeks, but soon after the fever subsidesSevere abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, gum and nose bleedingIf the same warning signs appear, it may progress to severe dengue, so immediatelyLarge private hospital emergency roomYou have to go to . There are many different serotypes of dengue, so getting sick once does not provide complete immunity.Re-infection can make things more seriousPlease also remember that: Although the dengue vaccine is approved in some countries, it is not yet universally administered in India, so if you are interested, please check official channels and local hospitals for the latest information.

Close-up of mosquitoes that transmit dengue fever and malaria in India — Beware of mosquito-borne diseases in Delhi NCR
Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue, are active during the day, and Anopheles mosquitoes, which transmit malaria, are active mainly at night. · Andy Murray (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03Malaria and Chikungunya — Night Mosquitoes and Day Mosquitoes, How to Distinguish the Symptoms

MalariaIsSpotted wing mosquito (Anopheles) active at nightmoves. The risk of malaria in urban areas of Delhi NCR is relatively low compared to rural and eastern parts of India, but the story is different during the monsoon season or when frequent business trips or travel to regional areas are observed.Antimalarial drugs (antimalarial drugs)is a prescription drug, and the appropriate drug varies depending on the region, period, and health condition of your stay, so if you are planning a long-term business trip to a rural area, consult with a travel medicine specialist before leaving the country. repeated periodicallyChills → high fever → sweatingIt is characterized by a pattern, and can be confirmed using a blood smear test or rapid diagnostic kit in hospitals and diagnostic labs. It is a highly treatable disease if diagnosed early, so the key is not to delay testing when there are suspicious symptoms.

Chikungunyais a disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, like dengue, and its season overlaps with dengue. with high feverPain in joints, such as wrists and ankles, is particularly severe and lasts a long time.This is a characteristic, and joint pain may persist for several weeks even after the fever subsides. Treatment, like dengue, is based on symptomatic therapy.

divisiondengue fevermalariaChikungunya
mosquito vectorAedes (weekly activities)Anopheles (nocturnal activity)Aedes (weekly activities)
Features SymptomsHigh fever, pain behind the eyes, rash, decreased plateletsPeriodic chills, high fever, sweatingHigh fever, severe joint pain, and long-lasting joint pain
Delhi NCR SeasonLate to late monsoon (peak September to October)Before and after monsoonSimilar to dengue
preventive measuresMosquito measures (vaccines are not universal in India)Mosquito measures + preventive medication if necessarymosquito measures

All three diseases are difficult to distinguish from 'severe body aches' in the early stages, so if you have a fever during the season, a blood test is more important than self-diagnosis.

04Typhoid fever and hepatitis A — diseases transmitted by water and food

Along with mosquito-borne diseases, two of the biggest challenges of life in India areWater-borne and food-borne diseasesno see. The representative one isTyphoidandHepatitis ABoth are transmitted through contaminated water and food. Typhoid fever is different from colds.Fever continues to rise in steps over several daysIt is characterized by abdominal pain, headache, and loss of appetite. It is a disease that requires antibiotic treatment, so if you suspect it, you should get tested at a hospital. Buying antibiotics from a pharmacy on your own should be avoided due to the risk of resistance.

What's important isYou shouldn’t let down your guard just because you’ve been vaccinated.The point is. The preventive effect of the typhoid fever vaccine is not 100%, and the hygiene rules below are the basic line of defense regardless of vaccination.

  • Drinking waterSealed bottled water or RO purified waterIt is safe to use only water and to brush your teeth with the same water.
  • In restaurants where food stalls or hygiene is not checked,iceAvoid drinks containing this. Ice is often made with tap water.
  • The fruit isSomething you can eat by peeling it yourselfIt is safer to choose and avoid pre-cut fruit and raw vegetable salads.
  • The food isFully cooked and freshly cookedThe rule is to eat . Menu that is cooked to order is better than food that has been heated for a long time like at a buffet.
  • Make it a habit to wash your hands and use portable hand sanitizer after going out and before eating.

These rules also overlap with the prevention of traveler's diarrhea, also known as 'Delhi Belly'. Even if the intestines adapt as the water change period passes, it is recommended to maintain the basic principles of water, ice, and raw vegetables.

05War against mosquitoes – Practical measures at home, when going out, and by season

The only way to prevent dengue and chikungunya without a vaccine is ultimatelyWhat doesn't biteno see. When you live in the area, you realize the saying that controlling mosquitoes is equal to managing your health. You can take care of everything by dividing the measures into three levels: inside the house, going out, and seasonal management.

Inside the house – blocking breeding grounds is half the problem

  • From looking for a houseAre there mosquito screens on all windows?Check, and if not available, discuss with your landlord about installation before moving in. It is not difficult to call a local insect screen installation company.
  • Flower pot holder, air cooler water tank, empty container on veranda, rooftop water tankEmpty or change the water accumulated in the back once a week. Aedes mosquitoes breed in very little water, and some local governments, such as Delhi, go out of their way to check mosquito breeding sites in homes during the monsoon season.
  • Indoors, things like Good Knight and All OutLocal liquid electronic fumigatoris universal and readily available in supermarkets and online.
  • In the bedroommosquito netThis is most definitely true. We recommend installation throughout the season, especially for children's beds.

Going Out — Times and Avoidance

  • repellentDEET (approximately 20-50%) or picaridin ingredientThis is the standard. You can either bring it in advance from Korea, or get a popular repellent cream like Odomos from your local pharmacy. For children, the recommended concentration varies depending on age, so consult your pediatrician.
  • Dengue mosquitoes are active during the day.Early morning and sunset outdoor activitiesBe especially careful during the season, and wear long sleeves and long pants in parks and gardens during the season.

Season — Post-monsoon is the real season

After the rain stops, stagnant water increases.From late monsoon to around NovemberThis is the peak of mosquito-borne diseases. Compared to the rainy season, the first halfmonsoon season in indiaPlease refer to it as it is summarized in the article.

Mosquito measures in India - Mosquito nets installed on beds, dengue fever prevention essentials
The best prevention against dengue and chikungunya, for which there is no vaccine, is not getting bitten — a bedroom mosquito net is the best line of defense. · Tofeiku (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

06This is what happens when you have a fever — the order of testing and hospital response

The sense of fever in India must be different from that in Korea. This is because in Korea, you might pass it off as 'I'm just sick,' but in India during the heat season, you have to keep in mind the possibility of dengue, malaria, and typhoid fever. The response sequence shared by local Koreans is generally as follows.

  1. First 24-48 hours— Reduce the fever with paracetamol, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor the patient’s progress. Because the possibility of dengue cannot be ruled out.Do not use aspirin or ibuprofenThis is safe.
  2. If fever persists for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by pain behind the eyes, rash, or severe joint pain— Get a blood test done at a hospital outpatient clinic or diagnostic lab. In Indian hospitals and large diagnostic labs,CBC (blood count), dengue NS1 antigen test, malaria testIt is common to prescribe in bundles, and large labs also operate a home collection service where blood is collected at home.
  3. When dengue is confirmed— Follow your doctor's instructions to track your platelet count regularly, and if warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding appear, go to the emergency room immediately.

Large private hospitals such as Max, Fortis, Apollo, and Medanta have a lot of experience dealing with patients with fever during the season, so they are able to conduct tests and provide prompt treatment. Tips for choosing a hospital and using the emergency roomGuide to using hospitals in IndiaPreparation of over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and oral rehydration salt (ORS)How to use Indian pharmaciesWe have summarized it in detail. If you have paracetamol, ORS, and a thermometer on hand in advance, the initial response to fever will be much calmer. Check before the season whether everyone in your family knows your company's group insurance card, policy number, and the location of the nearest hospital.

Indian Hospital Vaccination Camp Site — Indian Healthcare System and Vaccination
Large private hospitals and diagnostic labs in India have extensive experience responding to patients with fever, and home collection blood collection services are also common. · Muzammil (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

Useful tips

Vaccination plans begin 4 to 6 weeks before departure.

There are vaccines that are administered multiple times, such as hepatitis A (twice at least 6 months apart) and Japanese encephalitis, so the schedule is not available right before departure. Once your appointment is confirmed, you can make an appointment for a consultation at a public health center or travel medicine clinic. You can also get one dose of hepatitis A treatment before leaving the country, and then get the rest when you temporarily return to your country.

The only fever reducer during dengue season is paracetamol.

Taking aspirin or ibuprofen for fever that may be dengue may increase the risk of bleeding. Keep paracetamol (acetaminophen), oral rehydration salt (ORS), and a thermometer as your daily essential medicines in India. If you have a fever during the season, only use paracetamol and get tested.

When looking for a house, check the insect screen and number of floors.

Mosquito control begins at the moving stage. When renting, check whether all windows have insect screens and whether there are any vacant lots or construction sites nearby where stagnant water can accumulate. If not, discuss with the landlord about installing them before moving in. Adding bedroom mosquito nets and a local electronic fumigator like Good Knight completes your indoor defense line.

The repellent is Miri in Korea and Odomos locally.

Bringing plenty of DEET or picaridin-containing repellent with you from Korea will give you peace of mind. Locally, you can easily obtain popular repellents such as Odomos cream at pharmacies and supermarkets. For children, the recommended concentration varies depending on age, so consult a pediatrician before use.

Please obtain a vaccination certificate issued in English.

If you receive an English certificate after vaccination and store it in the cloud, you can submit it immediately when vaccination records are requested for treatment at an Indian hospital, international school admission documents, or visa-related procedures. It is a good idea to organize your vaccination history by family member.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

!
Taking ibuprofen or aspirin for fever suspected to be dengue increases the risk of bleeding.
In India, only paracetamol is used for fever during the season until the possibility of dengue is ruled out. If the fever persists for more than 48 hours, undergo a CBC/dengue NS1 test, and if confirmed, follow the doctor's instructions to track the platelet count.
!
If you let your guard down just because the monsoon is over, you will be hit by the dengue peak between September and November.
The peak of the dengue season is from the second half of the monsoon to around November when the rains stop and stagnant water increases. Even after the rainy season ends, measures such as repellent, mosquito nets, and stagnant water management are maintained until November.
!
Mosquitoes breed in the house if stagnant water in flower pot holders or air cooler water tanks is left unattended.
Aedes mosquitoes breed in very little water. Empty or replace the water in flower pot holders, air coolers, empty containers on the veranda, and rooftop water tanks once a week, and during the monsoon season, set an inspection day for each family.
!
They say they have been vaccinated against typhoid fever and can safely eat iced drinks and cut fruit from street vendors.
The preventive effect of the typhoid fever vaccine is not 100%. Regardless of vaccination, maintain hygiene rules by drinking only sealed bottled water and RO water and avoiding unidentified ice and pre-cut fruits and raw vegetables.
!
Even after being bitten by an abandoned dog or monkey, they put off visiting the hospital, saying it's just a "little scratch."
Because rabies is fatal if it occurs, if you are bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and receive post-exposure treatment at the hospital on the same day. Even if you were vaccinated before exposure, an additional vaccination is required.

Latest updates

  • Delhi NCR repeats increase in dengue cases after monsoon — Local governments are strengthening quarantine and crackdown on breeding sitesIn large cities such as Delhi, the pattern of increasing dengue patients from the second half of the monsoon every year is repeated, and local governments are strengthening inspections of mosquito breeding sites and quarantine activities in homes and construction sites. During the season, it is worth referencing patient trends in local news.
  • India pushes ahead with 2030 malaria eradication goalThe Indian government is pursuing a national plan aimed at eradicating malaria by 2030, and the number of patients nationwide has been decreasing. However, since regional differences are large, preparation is still necessary when traveling or traveling to regional areas.

FAQ

Are there any vaccinations that must be administered before entering India?
In principle, there are no mandatory vaccinations required by law when entering the country by direct flight from Korea. However, if you transit through a country with a yellow fever risk, such as Africa or Central or South America, you may be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For long-term residents, hepatitis A and typhoid fever are recommended as essential, and tetanus, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies are decided upon consultation with a specialist depending on the conditions of stay.
When does dengue fever become prevalent in Delhi?
The season runs from the latter half of the monsoon to just after the monsoon, roughly from July to November, with the peak being between October and November (depending on the year, November is often the peak season). After the rain stops, mosquitoes increase rapidly as stagnant water increases, so it is safe to not let down your guard just because the rainy season is over and to maintain measures such as using repellent and managing stagnant water until November.
Do I have to take antimalarial medication?
Staying in urban areas of Delhi NCR is not uniformly recommended as the risk is relatively low, but the story is different if you travel to rural or eastern areas for business or frequently travel to rural areas during the monsoon season. Preventive drugs are prescription drugs, and the appropriate drug varies depending on the region, period, and health condition, so consult with a travel medicine specialist before leaving the country to decide.
What should I do if I get dengue?
Since there is no special medicine, hydration and rest are the basics, and only paracetamol is used as a fever reducer (no aspirin or ibuprofen). At the hospital, the diagnosis is confirmed by CBC and dengue NS1 tests, and platelet counts are tracked. If warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or bleeding appear immediately after the fever subsides, the patient should immediately go to the emergency room of a large private hospital.
Can I use mosquito repellent on my child?
DEET and picaridin-containing repellent can also be used on children, but the recommended concentration varies depending on age, so it is safe to follow the product label and consult a pediatrician. In addition to repellent, it is basic to install mosquito nets on children's beds throughout the season and to wear long sleeves and long pants when doing outdoor activities in the early morning or at dusk.

References & links

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