Infectious Diseases in Delhi

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They can spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Some infectious diseases are transmitted by insects or other animals. Infectious diseases can also spread through the consumption of contaminated water or food or exposure to organisms in the environment.

The branch of medicine that focuses on infectious diseases is called infectiology, which is a subspecialty of internal medicine. Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases are called infectious diseases (ID) specialists. While most common infections can be treated by general internists and other specialists, ID specialists are frequently called upon to help diagnose and assist in treating or managing unusual, difficult, or complicated infections. Since many infectious diseases are related to other medical conditions, ID specialists work with doctors in many specialty areas, such as doctors trained in dermatology, immunology, or cardiovascular medicine. 

Some of the most common infectious diseases that ID specialists diagnose, treat, and manage include:

• Bone and joint infections
• Heart valve infections
• Blastomycosis
• Complicated urinary tract infections
• Lyme disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Viral hepatitis
• Rubella, Measles, and Mumps
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Dengue
• Ebola
• Sepsis
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatic fever
• Travel medicine
• Tick-borne infections
• Meningitis
• Pneumonia
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Post-operative infections.

There are numerous procedures that ID specialists and other specialists use to diagnose, prevent, and treat infectious diseases. These include, but are not limited to:

• Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, throat swabs, and a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
• Imaging scans, such as CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
• Biopsies.
• Antibiotic therapies
• Immunizations
• Infection control
• Fecal microbiota (stool) transplant
• Antimicrobial therapy (OPAT)
• Antifungal therapy
• Anti-parasitic therapy.

How Long Should I Stay in Delhi?

Your length of stay depends on the severity of your infection and which organ is affected by the infection. Some types of infectious diseases may require hospitalization, while others do not. It is generally advisable that you plan to stay in Delhi for at least 7 to 14 days. Even if you do not need hospitalization, some types of treatment may require several appointments. In addition, you may also need to attend follow-up checkups.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery time after infectious disease can vary, depending on the type and severity of the infection. For some infectious diseases, the healing process can take time and it can take a few months until you can resume your normal activities. Some other types of infectious diseases, however, only need around 2 weeks or even less of recovery time. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and resume your normal activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instruction. It is important to follow every instruction closely. They may also tell you prevention measures to decrease the risk of infection from occurring in the future. These include washing your hands frequently, to get vaccinated, practice safe sex, travel wisely, stay home when ill, prepare food safely, and avoid sharing personal items. 

What's the Success Rate?

Active research in infectious diseases has resulted in new discoveries that help doctors to refine the treatment and management approach to infectious diseases. The success rate of infectious disease treatment has increased significantly in the past several decades. Some types of treatments even have 90% success rates.   

Are there Alternatives?

There are a number of products that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of some infections, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, garlic, ginseng, and zinc. However, it is best that you see your general physician, a specialist, or an ID specialist to treat your infection instead of taking alternative medicine.  

Infectious Diseases in and around Delhi

Introduction

Delhi is officially known as the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT). It is home to the capital of India, New Delhi. With a population of over 18 million, it is the second most populous city in the country. The city is brimming with vibrant modern life but also still steeped in history. People come to the city for its cultural richness and gastronomic scene.

Recently, Delhi has emerged as a medical tourists’ favorite destination. It’s the perfect place for those who seek low cost high-quality, world-class healthcare. India continues to expand its medical tourism sector with Delhi as one of the top hubs for medical facilities. Among the leading hospitals in Delhi are Max Super Specialty Hospital, Apollo Hospital Indraprastha, and BLK Super Specialty Hospital. Breast Augmentation and heart surgery procedures are two of the most popular procedures in the city. Patients come to Delhi for the following reason:

• State of the art medical facilities with international and local accreditation
• Skilled doctors, many of which trained in the UK
• English speaking doctors and staff
• Wide range, cost-effective procedures
• Traditional healthcare therapies and practices such as Ayurveda and yoga

Popular Areas in Delhi

Delhi is overflowing with enchanting history and colorful modern life. The city is made of layers of history, temples, monuments, markets, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Many tourists come to witness its charm and discover its hidden treasures. Go to Old Delhi and visit the Red Fort where a load of people fell in love with its beautiful structure influenced by Islamic, Persian, Hindu, and Timurid traditions. Learn Islamic history in one of the largest mosque in India, Jama Masjid. Shop in Chandni Chowk Market, the largest shopping hub in Delhi. Pay your respect in Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.

There is also New Delhi, India’s capital, where you can stroll around India Gate, a war memorial that was inspired by the Arc de Triomphe. Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, is also worth a visit for anyone who loves history. Don’t forget to go to the Gandhi Museum (Gandhi Smirti) to learn more about the leader of Indian independence’s life. Tourists can also visit an enthralling historical site known as Purana Qila. In your spare time, you can shop in Janpath Market and Sarojini Market.

South Delhi has many sites to enjoy such as the unique Lotus Temple, the soaring tower of victory Qutab Minar, and the thriving nightlife of Hauz Khas Village. This district also has a famous shopping paradise including Dilli Haat, Shahpur Jat, GK 1 N-block market, and Dastkar Nature Bazaar.

Weather and Climate in Delhi

Delhi has a high variation of temperature between summer and winter. Summer in Delhi can get really hot with an average temperature of around 32°C. The season starts in April to June and the temperature can reach as high as 46°C. It is advisable to avoid this season if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor activities. The monsoon starts in late June to mid-September. The temperature usually falls to an average of 29°C, but it’s rainy and humid.

The temperature plummets during winter, ranging between 6°C to 7°C. This season starts in November and lasts until March. October to March is the best time to visit Delhi because the weather is neither too hot or too cold.

Getting Around in Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport, located 16 km from New Delhi city center, is the busiest airport in India. This airport serves domestic and international flights that connect the city with almost every country across the globe. Terminal 1 is used by budget airlines such as IndiGo and SpiceJet, while Terminal 3 is mainly used for international operations and several domestic flights.

The city center can be reached by bus, airport taxi, and metro. The bus is the most affordable option although it can be very crowded. Taxi is a good way to travel but always use licensed taxis such as WTi Cabs, Meru, and Mega Cabs. App-based taxis like Ola and Uber is another choice of travel. The fastest way to travel to Delhi’s city center is by The Delhi Metro. The travel time is less than 25 minutes and should cost around 10 INR to 60 INR.

There are several transportation modes to get around Delhi. The Delhi Metro is the best option to travel around because it offers comfort and fast travel. Taxis are widely available in the city. The easiest way to call a taxi is by the Ola app. It’s usually cheaper to use Ola than a local taxi stands.

For shortstops, opt for auto rickshaws. They’re affordable and easy to find. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in because most drivers will refuse using the meter. The drivers are also known to overcharge foreign visitors. Driving around Delhi is not recommended since the traffic can be time-consuming and there is a lot of bad driving. You can always hire a local driver if you want to get around by car.

Tourist Visas in Delhi

Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan can enter India without a visa. Citizens of Japan and South Korea can apply for a visa on arrival. Citizens of 150 countries can apply for e-Visa which is valid for 60 days. There are medical and medical attendant e-visas for tourists who come for healthcare. Other nationalities are required to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country.

All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 180 days after their entry to India and should have at least two blank pages.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency is the Indian rupee (INR). 1 USD converts to 70 INR.
2. Money & Payments: Major currencies such as US dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are easy to change throughout the city. The easiest way to exchange money is by using ATMs. Some shops, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit cards. It is advisable to always carry cash since a lot of places still accept cash only. Restaurants sometimes add a 10% service fee to the bills.
3. Local Language: Hindi is the official language of Delhi. Urdu and Punjabi are widely spoken. Most people will be familiar with English. Many young people shop keepers, and tour guides can speak English very well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The major religion is Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Judaism.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates major religions (Hindus, Muslims, and Christians) holidays. The city hosts many festivals all year round such as The Grub Fest, The Palate Fest, and Holi Festival.