Have any tips on how to avoid getting sick while in cities with bad air quality. I often get sick from pollution and have heard that people often do while in India. No way am I going to stay indoors but it anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate it. Also, I can't see myself wearing a mask.

You basically really only have four choices:

1. Don't go.

2. Wear a surgical mask, moistening it frequently.

3. Wear a gas mask.

4. Suffer through it and bring whatever medications you need to support your pollution-induced issues.

You don't say where you're going, but that does make a difference, as does the time of the year. I didn't find pollution that much of a problem in India, and I have relatively bad allergies. And you won't want to spend more than a couple of days in Delhi anyway. That has some of the worst air (and traffic). Other than wearing a mask, I'm not sure what you'd do. I like saline nasal spray, which helps me a lot in any kind of hot climate.

If you do not want to wear a mask, or stay indoors, or travel somewhere less polluted... I'm not sure what suggestions you hope to get.

Interesting. I hadn't heard that India was particularly bad. Now, if you were asking about China....

But the place to ask about pollution in Asia is on the Asia board.

you aren't specified which place you want to go in india. because so many beautiful places that under control from air pollution. the best example one is Darjeeling and kodaikanal. where you can feel real pleasant air. if you want to go places which is near to city you should wear your helmet. in case if you are using bike.

I am an Indian man. You can eat more vitamin C which will improve your immunity system. eat at least three oranges in a day before visiting

Thank you all for your responses. I can see now that I was not clear.

My India itinerary includes Delhi, Japipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Nagur, Haridwar.

My question is: is there something I can do to keep the symptoms down. This is not a problem I normally deal with but have problems while travelling (in Updiapur on a past trip it was very bad).

Is using nasal spray helpful, etc? I like the idea of uping my vit c.

Thank you.

I'd research the vitamin C thing a bit more before doing it.

I recommend taking a net pot along with you (don't forget the salt) so you can flush all of that dirt and dust and pollutants out of your sinuses.

But use bottled water to do it. I'm not so sure that it would be wise to flush your sinuses with water that isn't recommended to drink.

spark....good idea...thanks