Mexico: Stay healthy on Vacation!

Swine flu update: May 11, 2009

• Third U.S. death reported more

• Swine Flu Ancestors May Protect Elderly, Experts Say more

Getting ready for any trip takes months and weeks of research, planning and packing. While preparing all the activities, transportation, documentation and securing loose ends while you’re are away, don’t forget to prepare your health for the visit too! It is important to make the most of your trip by participating in all pre-planned activities rather than experiencing Mexico from the hotel bathroom or a local medical center; so be safe, vaccinate!

Planning to stay healthy while you travel is the MOST important part of planning for your trip.

The best ways to ensure a safe and healthy trip are to be educated about the health risks in Mexico and get vaccinated.

For travel to Mexico, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A and B
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
• Rabies
• Influenza
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella
• Varicella (Chicken Pox)
• Typhoid
• Polio
• Pneumococcal
• PPD Test (Tuberculosis skin test)

Also, beware of the recent H1N1 flu outbreak currently in Mexico. The current vaccine does not offer protection against this strain of H1N1. However, because this H1N1 Influenza Strain (swine) has part avian, part swine, part human characteristics, the vaccine MAY help improve the immune response and therefore give you better chances of developing the specific antibodies once exposed to H1N1. While the H1N1 flu virus is appearing less severe than the seasonal flu, it is still recommended that you take precautionary measures to protect yourself. It is better to be on the safe side and take all preventive precautions, get the flu shot before travel! Passport Health offers the influenza vaccine year round.

Most of these vaccinations are routine for citizens of the USA and you have more than likely been adequately vaccinated for some, but it is important to see a travel medicine specialist to be sure you are prepared with the proper vaccinations and information to stay healthy in Mexico.

Now that you know about all the diseases and viruses that have preventive vaccines, you are free to take other preventive measures for the rest of the "icky" things that can affect your trip.

• Insect-Borne Diseases(Dengue Fever, Malaria): use appropriate repellents containing DEET, and prescribed Malaria medication.
• Travelers' Diarrhea: use antibiotics and re hydration powders (diarrhea kit available at Passport Health)
• Intestinal Infections: Swim only in properly chlorinated or salt water, wear shoes at all times (even on the beach), follow food and water precautions given by an expert.
• Jet-Lag, Motion sickness, Altitude sickness: several different medications available
• Deep Vein Thrombosis: Remain properly hydrated during flight, get up frequently to stretch your legs to maintain circulation, consider wearing pressure gradient Travel Socks
• Emergency Medical Evacuation: Obtain appropriate Travel and Evacuation Insurance

Don't let the possibility of getting sick in Mexico deter you from going. The best way to ensure safety and good health is to know the risks and take the right precautions against them.

Thank you to the CDC and our Travel Medicine Specialists for their contribution to this post.