Asia and India

Warning: this book may put you off travelling forever. It seems everywhere you go there's risk of terrible debilitating illness. There's dengue fever, malaria and Japanese B encephalitis carried by mosquitoes. Hepatitis, dysentery, cholera, typhoid, internal parasites and polio spread by food and water. Not to mention the likelihood of sandfly fever, hookworms that bury in your feet, parasites which lay eggs under your skin and even the Black Plague, which really does still exist in some parts of Asia (spread by fleas). The well-designed symptom charts may induce severe hypochondria--and the squeamish may want to skip more lurid descriptions and the diagnosis charts for varieties of diarrhoea.

Lonely Planet's handy, pocket sized guide is written by British doctor (and seasoned backpacker) Isabelle Young and approved by a panel of medical experts--which gives it authority over the usual travellers hearsay. Although detailed in its descriptions of more unusual illnesses, the guide is also very practical, dealing with the more mundane problems of colds, cuts, sunstroke, and indigestion. It also provides useful information on first aid, immunisation and emergency resuscitation. It would prove very useful in remote areas of India, Burma or Laos where doctor's may be few and far between. Even seasoned backpackers will find useful new tips--it suggests that menstruating women should avoid monkeys in case of attack and that a tooth cavity should be plugged with sugar-free chewing gum until a dentist is found. And, in case you were wondering, "You should obviously seek medical advice as soon as possible if you think you have plague".--Sarah Champion

View other editions of Asia and India.
View books by Isabelle Young.

Its everything you need to know about healthy travel in Asia - Rated
Lonely Planets: Healthy Travel Asia and India is a gem of a book! If you are planning a trip to Asia or India be it backpacking or a tourist trip, this is one book you dont want to leave home without. It has very comprehensive sections starting from before you go, whilst you are there and even when you get back!

The area of healthy travel writing has always been a minefield, and one that has been quite under-representated, although this guide serves to redress the balance. The book goes into quite some depth with regards to the various hazards, diseases and infections that can be contracted whilst abroad, but also give you full information how to vaccinate and immunise before you go, and steps that you can take whilst there to reduce the risk of contracting them. Theres even a section on basic first aid and treatments for common ailments...even a cold or sore throat can seem life threatening when you are in a strange and foreign land when there isnt a Chemist just around the corner !

The books size is also well thought out...instead of a hefty tome, as it could have been, it has been condensed to a handy pocket size edition. Ideal to stow in the back of your suitcase, backpack or even First Aid kit.

If you want peace of mind before you go and whilst abroad, this is one book that you need.
Afterall, forewarned, is forearmed !