• Top 10 Travel Tips for Mexico

  1. Vaccines—There are several vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for traveling to Mexico. You should see your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).

• Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood, (for example, health care workers), stay longer than six months, be exposed through medical treatment, or have sexual contact with the local population. Hepatitis B is now recommended for all Infants and for children ages 11-12 years old who did not receive the aeries as infants

• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.

• Typhoid, particularly if you are visiting remote or rural areas or poor urban areas.

• Booster doses, as needed for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.

• Malaria, if you are traveling to rural areas--including resorts in the rural areas--of the following states: Campeche, Chiapas, Guerrero (Acapulco, Taxco, Ixtapa), Michoacan, Nayarit, Oaxaca. Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa dial Carmen, Cozumel, Riviera Maya), Sinaloa (Mazatlán) and Tabasco. Anti-malarial drugs are not recommended for travel to the major resort areas on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, although travelers should use anti-mosquito measures.

2. Sunburn—Watch out for too much sunbathing. Use of sun block helps to prevent irreversible damage to your skin.

3. Diarrhea—Drink lots of bolded water. "Montezuma's revenge", gastrointestinal condition due to the ingestion of water with a high mineral content. Avoid eating in places that do not appear to comply with basic hygiene.

4. Dehydration—Drink plenty of fluids and fruit juices.

5. Alcohol abuse—Drink alcohol with moderation. Most serious accidents are related to alcohol intake.

6. Prescriptions—Do not forget to continue taking the medications prescribed by your doctor. Refills: Medications in Mexico have the same quality standards as in the United States.

7. Allergies—Allergy patterns change while traveling. Take your medications as prescribed. Also make sure to carry any information regarding allergies to medications.

8. Infections—Infections can occur easier than most people realize. The ocean, contrary to common belief, is loaded with bacteria. Any cut or scrape that breaks the skin, or bites and stings incurred at the ocean should be treated. It is much easier to prevent an infection than to treat one. As a precaution, always wear foot protection at the beach.

9. Diabetes—If you are a diabetic patient, do not exceed your calorie intake.

10. Heart Disease—Extenuating and prolonged exercise may trigger underlying serious heart conditions.

Do not wait! As minor as you think the problem is, be sure to find out which hospital provides the best emergency services in town.

AmeriMed American Hospitals can be found in three cities of Mexico: Cancún, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

Dr. Marcus Engelman
President, AmeriMed

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