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Free Medical Advice sponsored by
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Got an ache or pain? Have a question about a prescription or over-the-counter drug? Looking for some FREE medical advice?
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Question:
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| I am thinking of traveling to Goa, India for a holiday trip. What shots would I need if any? Or what medicines/pills are mandatory before starting a holiday in India. If there are medical requirements are they available in Moscow. Where. Thanks very much.
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Answer:
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| Travelling to India is an experience not to be missed, however it is important to take sensible precautions against illness, and this includes vaccinations against preventable diseases. The vaccinations you need depend on how long you are going to be there, and the time of year you are travelling, and how far from medical care you will be. The important vaccinations are diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, poliomyelitis, tetanus and typhoid. You may already be up to date with some of these as they are part of routine vaccinations we should all have. If you are staying longer term, you may need to consider Japanese B encephalitis, rabies and TB shots. Malaria risk exists throughout the year in the whole country below 2000m. The risk is less in the far south of the country but it is still important to take tablets which help prevent malaria. The drug recommended should be discussed with your doctor. Avoiding mosquito bites is of course the best way to prevent malaria, and the use of a good mosquito repellant as well as wearing long trousers, socks and shoes, sleeping under a mosquito net or in a room with insect screens or air conditioning, is helpful. It is very important to maintain good personal hygeine (washing hands after toilet and before eating), peeling and/or cooking fruit and vegetables before eating, and sterilising drinking water. This will help reduce the risk of traveller's diarrhea and other food and water borne illnesses. It is useful to take a first aid kit with anti-diarrheal medications and antibiotics, among other things. The International SOS clinic in Moscow (phone 937 5760) will be able to help you with all of these things. Hope you have a great time.
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