Can you go to Mexico and not get sick?

Asked by: Prof. Mckenzie Larson  |  Last update: August 17, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (24 votes)

A very common misconception regarding Mexico is that you are certain to get sick if you take a vacation there. In fact, there's even a term for it; Montezuma's revenge. In many cases, however, people are sick in Mexico for the first few days of their vacation due to the stress of traveling itself.

Will I get sick if I go to Mexico?

To some extent, all food and water have bacteria, but your body knows how to handle the ones you come in contact with often. Though millions of people visit Mexico each year, only a small fraction got sick in Mexico, and most people do eat the delicious street food.

What foods to avoid in Mexico to not get sick?

Never drink tap water. Never eat things washed with tap water (fruits, vegetables, ice made with tap water, etc.) Never eat food that has not been cooked thoroughly. Avoid raw seafood, undercooked eggs, and any meat that is not completely cooked.

What happens if you get sick in Mexico?

PHARMACY DOCTORS: Many pharmacy companies, such as Del Ahorro or Similares, have an in-house doctor available during the day for small issues such as infections or persistent illness.

How long after drinking water in Mexico do you get sick?

Key Points. Traveler's diarrhea occurs within 10 days of travel to an area with poor public hygiene. It's the most common illness in travelers. It's caused by drinking water or eating foods that have bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

Montezuma’s Revenge and Travelers Diarrhea [How to Not Get Sick in Mexico]

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Can I brush my teeth with water in Mexico?

Brushing Your Teeth

Residents in Mexico may brush their teeth with tap water, but they'll rinse and spit, careful not to swallow. As a tourist, you may be better off taking the precaution of using bottled water to brush your teeth, and do try to remember to keep your mouth shut when you shower.

How do you avoid water sickness in Mexico?

Most travelers make a habit of drinking only bottled water, which also helps to protect against unfamiliar bacteria. In resort areas, and generally throughout Mexico, only purified ice is used. If you do come down with this ailment, nothing beats Pepto Bismol, readily available in Mexico.

Why do I feel sick after going to Mexico?

Temperature changes. Traveling between different climates can confuse our bodies and make us more susceptible to illnesses because our immune systems aren't sure how to react. Your body has to readjust to the new temperature before it can fight off any symptoms coming your way, allowing you to feel sick much faster.

What illnesses are going around in Mexico?

Hepatitis A is also endemic to Mexico; visitors should receive ≥1 dose of the hepatitis A vaccine series before travel.
  • Enteric Infections & Diseases. Cholera. ...
  • Respiratory Infections & Diseases. Coronavirus Disease 2019. ...
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections & HIV. ...
  • Soil- & Waterborne Infections. ...
  • Vectorborne Diseases.

How long does sickness last from Mexico?

Traveler's diarrhea may begin abruptly during your trip or shortly after you return home. Most people improve within 1 to 2 days without treatment and recover completely within a week. However, you can have multiple episodes of traveler's diarrhea during one trip.

How do I prepare my stomach for Mexico?

Eat with Care
  1. Eat your meals cooked well done and served hot.
  2. Avoid street vendors that prepared their food at home.
  3. Look for the crowds. Let's face it, we're not going to completely avoid hole-in-the-wall taco stands. ...
  4. Avoid eating in the markets. ...
  5. Be judicious with fruits and vegetables.

Is it safe to eat salad in Mexico?

TIJUANA, Mexico — Eating salad in Mexico is discouraged by most guide books, citing the potential threat to the digestive tract. It is true that the water can be problematic south of the border, if it is consumed directly from the tap or used to wash one's salad fixings.

What can I take to avoid stomach problems in Mexico?

Pepto-Bismol (2 ounces four times daily or two tablets four times daily) decreases the diarrhea and shortens the duration of the illness. This medication also appears to be effective in preventing traveler's diarrhea, but it should not be taken for more than three weeks at a time.

Is the flu common in Mexico?

During the influenza season of 2018-2019, the number of cases reported in Mexico added up to nearly 7.5 thousand. As of March 13, 2021, the 2020-2021 season had registered only three cases.

Is it safe to take a shower in Mexico?

The water source matters

Water delivered to homes in Mexico is suitable for showering and washing-up the dishes, but most people don't use unfiltered tap water for personal consumption.

What is the #1 health risk of Mexico?

The major health concern in Mexico is Obesity. In Mexico, 32.4% of the population is obese, making it the country with the 2nd highest prevalence of obesity, behind the US. The country also has the highest prevalence of diabetes in the OECD, with 15.9% of the population having diabetes.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now 2023?

Crime: Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.

What are the risks of traveling to Mexico right now?

Mexico has a high risk of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault and kidnapping. Don't travel at night outside major cities. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs.

Why am I pooping so much after going to Mexico?

Traveler's diarrhea affects travelers and others who consume contaminated food or water. It's a brief but unpleasant gastrointestinal infection that typically causes loose stools and abdominal cramps. Most of the time, it's caused by bacteria, but sometimes viruses or parasites are to blame.

How do you not get sick after traveling?

Top Tips To Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel
  1. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic. Vaccines can be a powerful tool to help you combat risks in new destinations. ...
  2. Boost your immune system. ...
  3. Pack a medical kit. ...
  4. Drink filtered or bottled water. ...
  5. Be careful with food. ...
  6. Wash your hands.

What is the most common sickness after traveling?

There are different types of travel-associated infections that cause fever, along with other symptoms to include diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, and muscle aches. The most common of these include malaria, dengue, typhoid fever, and chikungunya.

Should I take probiotics before going to Mexico?

Probiotics should be started at least two weeks prior to your planned travel. This helps in seeding the helpful bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, will optimize immune function and help ensure good health while travelling. However, it is important to continue taking the probiotic throughout the travel.

Is food poisoning common in Mexico?

Food poisoning in Mexico is definitely a real thing and I've suffered from it more times than I can count. To avoid picking up a Mexico stomach bug, understand that, contrary to common belief, it's not as simple as washing your hands and avoiding street food. A lot of street food in Mexico is very safe to eat.

How do you not get Montezuma's revenge in Mexico?

It was traditionally believed that you could protect yourself from traveler's diarrhea by eating cooked foods and drinking boiled water or bottled beverages (bottled water). Avoiding uncooked vegetables, raw meats, tap water, and unpasteurized milk are other tips to remain healthy while traveling.