Some of us are going to goto India this winter for a vacation. There are 2 things to be aware of right now in India:
a) Chicken guinea / Chikungunya
b) Dengue
This article is more to start a discussion among us about what do we know about the above two illnesses and what precautions can we take while in India so that we have a safe vacation.
If you know of any information related to above two (either cause or remedy) please help others also with that information and post it here. If you have recently been to India, please update us with what kind of precautions you took.
First of all What is chicken guinea?
Here is one answer.
As per that link
Smita was mentioning it was related to bird-flu, but as per this news article it is not.
Jash’s pediatrician mentioned about the homeopathy medicine, which Prashant has mentioned. Seems it’s commonly available in B’lore, hyderabad. Anyone has idea about it’s availability in Bombay. One has to take 500 mg, 3 times a day for 10 days – mentioned
by Jash’s pediatrician
Seems like it is also called “Chikungunya”.
Wikipedia also has an entry for it.
Seems like investment in a mosquito net may be a good idea. and also wearing full-sleeve clothes.
Its all a big hype. Bindaas janeka, darneka nahin. Unless residents in your area of Mumbai are severely affected, there is nothing to worry about. Of course, a mosquito net will not hurt, and will also help you get sound sleep.
Would recommend taking “Off” mosquito repelant spray from here. Works effectively.
Always drink boiled-water (home made) and carry it around too…
I heard about ChickenGuniya last weekend at a party for the first time (one guy’s family was affected by it)..It seems it is much prevalent in parts of Maharashtra and Hyderabad…definately not a hype..
Another spray you could use is from Avon – “Skin so Soft” body oil. One of our doctor recommended to use in India as mosquito repelant. Wearing a full sleeve clothes and socks did help to Saahas.
The DC area Jain Temple had a series of mini-lectures from various doctors last weekend. One of the doctors spoke about travel to India and precautions to take. Below are some notes taken by a friend who attended.
For travel to India, Dr. Natu Shah gave print-outs from http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/travel/other/2006/chikungunya_india.htm.
He recommended flu shots before going to India, to differentiate between flu and symptoms of malaria/chikugunya/ dengue.
He said it is safest to take Tylenol, rather than other fever/pain medications, till definite diagnosis is made.
Use insect repellents containing DEET ( 17 % for adults). Avoid spray as it is toxic when inhaled.
Mix 1 tsp of eucalyptus oil with 2 ounces of vaseline and apply on hands/legs to repell insects (too strong for face).
Treat clothes with permethrin.
He also gave out little booklets on different vaccinations, that says VaccinePlace. com on the back.
This info came out very handy while choosing the insect repellant specially for Niyom, as we leave for India next week.
Thx for posting!