Travel Clinic

My first call after accepting the 6 month secondment position to New Delhi was to the clinic for vaccination shots. I called my clinic and was forwarded to the Travel Clinic. The voice answering the phone said "Infectious diseases, how may I help you?" That caught me off guard but I it was the right spot.

A week later I was in the office going over the India consultation for immunization recommendations, potential diseases and viruses. As the doctor is going over the potential issues, I can see she is making check marks on a piece of paper. The end result is 11 vaccination shots over the next month including Hepatitis A and B, Mumps, Polio, 3 shots for Japanese Encephalitis (1 in 4 die if you get this one), typhoid, meningitis, and the all important flu shot. Basically I have every shot possible except for rabies. Instead of picking up the rabies vaccination, 3 shots into the stomach, I decide to check into emergency travel insurance for 24 hour emergency evacuation for life threatening issues. I will be keeping my distance from the dogs and monkeys.

My favorite part of the discussion was around "Delhi Belly" otherwise know as Montezumas or diarrhea. They even gave me a pamphlet on the issue to go over all the food and beverage precautions. In case of extreme issues, a prescription written. The best advice is to only drink bottled water and never under any circumstances eat the street vendor food. Bottled water should also be used to brush your teeth and when taking a shower keep your eyes and mouth closed at all times.

Next was the malaria discussion. There are only oral prescriptions to help prevent malaria. I chose the type that you take once a week, mefloquine. It only has a few severe and permanent adverse side-effects. It is known to cause severe depression, anxiety, paranoia, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, seizures, peripheral motor-sensor, balance damage and central nervous system problems. I am happy to report that after one week of taking the pill, I have no such effects.

Even after these discussions and feeling like a human pin cushion, I decided to go through with it. I have had 3 visits and 9 shots in total with 1 more trip and 2 shots to go.

My next stop was to Walgreens where I bought about $150 worth of over the counter medications. It might be a little overboard, but who knows what is available over there. If nothing else I will have my only little pharmacy where I am staying. At least I will be stocked on the Imodium and pepto. India, bring it on!