Health Voyage IndiaMedical tourism in India is a chance to receive quality treatment and discover an amazing culture. But along with bright colors, unusual tastes and new climate comes the main challenge - how to stay healthy in a country with different sanitation, unusual food and high risk of infections.
In this sense, a parallel can be drawn with coin grades, a system for assessing the condition of coins. Collectors mention every detail to determine the value of a find. In the same way, travelers must carefully assess the environment: is the water safe? Is it safe to try some street food? How clean are their hands after riding in transportation?
So today we are going to talk about how to avoid infections in public places, what is the danger of tap water, what objects around us are the dirtiest and how to properly disinfect them. All you need is just to follow a few simple rules to avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy your trip without health risks.
Concealed Risks to Be Aware of while Your Trip
While traveling to India offers a wealth of experiences, there are hidden health risks that can easily go unnoticed. Many of these threats are often overlooked by tourists, and if you understand and recognize these dangers before they become health concerns - you will ensure that your trip remains enjoyable and safe.
Water - A Hidden Danger: How to Avoid Infections?
One of the biggest health risks in India comes from contaminated water. You should know that locals develop immunity to many waterborne bacteria and viruses, but tourists are highly susceptible to infections such as E. coli, cholera, dysentery and typhoid. The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of infectious diseases worldwide are transmitted through contaminated water, so water safety is a top priority for travelers.
So how can you protect yourself? Never drink tap water in India, no matter how clean it may seem. Even in expensive hotels and restaurants, there is no guarantee that the water is free of harmful microorganisms. Instead, prefer:
Bottled water from reputable brands with an intact seal.
Water filtration devices such as LifeStraw or SteriPEN, which can purify water on the go.
Boiled water - Bringing water to a boil for at least one minute kills most pathogens.
By the way, did you know that another often overlooked source of contamination is ice cubes. Since ice is usually made from unfiltered tap water, it is best not to add ice to drinks unless you are sure it was made from purified water. Similarly, when brushing your teeth, always use bottled or filtered water. Even a small sip of tap water can lead to traveler's diarrhea (a condition that affects 30-50% of international travelers, according to the CDC).
Street Food: Delicious but Safe?
Sampling Indian street food is one of the highlights of any trip, but it is also a common cause of stomach infections. With open-air preparation, exposure to dust, and the possibility of unhygienic handling, street food can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, and even Hepatitis A.
However, avoiding all street food would mean missing out on some of the best flavors India has to offer. The trick is knowing how to identify safe options:
Choose busy food stalls with high customer turnover - fresh ingredients are less likely to be contaminated.
Avoid raw salads, chutneys, and unpeeled fruits, as they are often washed in unsafe water.
Stick to cooked foods served hot, such as grilled meats, dosas, and tandoori dishes.
Many travelers underestimate the risk of rotavirus infection, which finally leads to severe diarrhea in children and adults worldwide. Since up to 70% of tourists in India experience digestive issues, taking preventive measures - such as carrying activated charcoal tablets or probiotics - can help your gut adjust to new bacteria.
Hygiene in Transport, Hospitals, and Public Places
Public spaces are some of the biggest hotspots for bacteria and viruses, that is why you should make your hygiene a top priority in India. Whether you are taking a rickshaw through bustling streets, visiting a hospital for medical tourism, or simply shopping in a local market, you’ll come into contact with surfaces that thousands of people have touched before you. Without proper precautions, these encounters can easily lead to infections, colds, or stomach bugs.
Stay Safe in Public Transport
India’s public transport system, be it metro, buses, trains, or auto-rickshaws, is a lifeline for millions. But at the same time it also poses a high risk of contamination, especially during peak hours when people are packed together in crowded spaces.
To minimize risk, remember the main rule - use hand sanitizer after touching handrails, seats, or ticket machines. If possible, avoid holding onto poles and straps with bare hands; use gloves or a tissue instead. And important is to keep your hands away from your face until you’ve had a chance to wash them properly.
A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine also shows that commuters who regularly use public transport are 6 times more likely to catch respiratory infections compared to people who don’t. In a country as densely populated as India, these risks multiply.
Hygiene Precautions in Hospitals and Clinics
Many travelers visit India for medical tourism, taking advantage of its world-class hospitals and affordable healthcare. While Indian medical facilities uphold high standards of hygiene, it is still important to follow personal precautions (especially in waiting areas and shared spaces).
Avoid touching surfaces unnecessarily - door handles, elevator buttons, and reception counters are touched by countless people daily.
Wash or sanitize hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your face.
If possible, bring your own mask and disinfectant wipes to clean chairs, armrests, and hospital-provided items like thermometers or blood pressure cuffs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) affect up to 10% of hospitalized patients worldwide. While India’s top-tier hospitals follow strict sanitation protocols, a little extra caution never hurts.
Shopping and Handling Public Objects
From bustling bazaars to modern shopping malls, India’s noisy markets offer an exciting shopping experience. However, handling cash, shopping carts, and product packaging exposes you to a wide range of bacteria.
Avoid touching your face after handling money, as banknotes and coins change hands thousands of times.
Use contactless payment methods whenever possible.
Carry disinfecting wipes to clean shopping cart handles and product packaging before use.
Studies have shown that viruses can survive on plastic and metal surfaces for up to 72 hours, that is why it is crucial to sanitize frequently touched objects.
The Dirtiest Everyday Items You Touch
While public transport and hospitals are well-known germ hotspots, some of the biggest contamination risks come from objects we use daily without even realizing it. From cash and credit cards to smartphones and restaurant menus, these everyday items accumulate bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can survive for hours - or even days. Since we frequently touch them and then proceed to rub our eyes, eat food, or adjust our masks, they serve as silent carriers of infection. So, in the table below you may find a breakdown of some of the dirtiest items you encounter daily, why they are so contaminated, and the best ways to keep them clean.
Item | Why it’s dirty | How to stay safe |
Money and coins | Passed through countless hands, collecting bacteria and viruses, with research showing paper currency can harbor over 3,000 bacteria types - more than a toilet seat. | Use digital payments when possible, wash hands after handling cash, and disinfect coins using UV light or sanitizing wipes. As for tips to deeply clean coins and evaluate them you may use Coin ID Scanner app. |
Phones | Studies show smartphone screens carry 10x more bacteria than a public restroom seat because we touch them constantly after handling other contaminated objects. | Wipe your phone daily with alcohol-based disinfectant wipes, avoid placing it on public surfaces, and use a hands-free headset. |
Credit cards and ATMs | Rarely cleaned but frequently used, credit cards pass through many hands and ATMs are touched by thousands daily. | Sanitize your cards with alcohol wipes and use contactless payment when possible. |
Elevator buttons and handrails | High-touch surfaces used by hundreds or thousands of people daily, making them prime breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses. | Use a tissue or your elbow to press buttons, and always sanitize hands after touching public handrails. |
Restaurant menus and condiment bottles | Menus and shared condiment bottles in restaurants are rarely sanitized and can harbor bacteria from multiple diners. | Avoid touching menus and bottles directly; use hand sanitizer before eating. |
Shopping carts and baskets | Handled by numerous shoppers, often without being cleaned between uses. Studies show bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can survive on carts. | Wipe down cart handles with disinfectant wipes or use hand sanitizer after shopping. |
After all, you need to remember a simple but effective rule: if it's public, assume it's dirty. So, always carry disinfecting wipes and a travel-size hand sanitizer to lower your exposure to harmful bacteria. Make it a habit to sanitize your hands after handling shared objects, and try to minimize unnecessary contact with public surfaces whenever possible. Thus, small changes in your behavior can make a huge difference to stay healthy while traveling in India.
Cleanliness - the Key to a Vivid Experience
Traveling to India is an opportunity to discover a wonderful world of colors, tastes and traditions. But to make your memories exceptionally pleasant, it is worth remembering: health on the road is your personal responsibility. A few sensible habits, a drop of caution and a bottle of antiseptic will help you focus on the main thing - enjoying the country, not fighting infections. So, take care of yourself and discover India in all its beauty!