What to do if you feel sick in Mexico?

Asked by: Quinten Stark  |  Last update: August 20, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (64 votes)

The short answer: Go see a doctor immediately — especially if you're sick in Mexico vomiting or have diarrhea, which can both lead to dehydration.

Why do I feel so sick in Mexico?

Alcohol and Overeating in Mexico

Often people will blame the water in Mexico for certain bouts of sickness when what is really the issue is over-indulgence in regards to alcohol and food. Keep in mind that salty, spicy foods and alcohol dehydrate you and so it is important that you compensate more thoroughly.

How do you stop an upset stomach in Mexico?

What to do if you feel sick
  1. Drink lots of water. ...
  2. Electrolyte-fortified liquids. ...
  3. Go easy on the solid foods, at least at first. ...
  4. Avoid dairy, greasy or fried foods, and high-fiber foods or anything that upsets your stomach.
  5. Don't take diarrhea medicines. ...
  6. Seek medical attention if it's necessary – after TWO DAYS.

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.

What can I drink in Mexico to not get sick?

In Mexico you can drink:
  • Sealed bottled water.
  • Water that has been disinfected.
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water.
  • Carbonated drinks.
  • Hot coffee or tea.
  • Pasteurized milk.
  • In Latin American, coconut milk is deemed a panacea for every conceivable stomach ailment, and then some.

Getting Sick in Mexico

42 related questions found

Can you brush your teeth with tap 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 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.

What foods to avoid when traveling to Mexico?

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.

Why am I sick after coming home from Mexico?

It's possible that traveler's diarrhea may stem from the stress of traveling or a change in diet. But usually infectious agents — such as bacteria, viruses or parasites — are to blame. You typically develop traveler's diarrhea after ingesting food or water contaminated with organisms from feces.

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.

Why do I always get a stomach bug when I'm in Mexico?

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.

Does Pepto Bismol help 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.

Should I take Pepto Bismol to Mexico?

There is no vaccine against traveler's diarrhea. Your doctor may recommend medicines to help lower your chances of getting sick. Taking 2 tablets of Pepto-Bismol 4 times a day before you travel and while you are traveling can help prevent diarrhea. Do not take Pepto-Bismol for more than 3 weeks.

What is wrong with my stomach after visiting Mexico?

Traveler's diarrhea is the most common illness that affects international travelers. It's usually related to a bacterial infection from consuming contaminated food or water. Most cases are mild and last for a few days. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Is it safe to eat salads in Mexico?

No Lettuce or Unpeeled Raw Vegetables – Here's a dirty little secret. Many Mexicans soak their lettuce in water with disinfecting drops before consuming leafy greens at home. A common soak deploys iodized silver drops to eliminate microbes. Some even use bleach.

How do you avoid Montezuma's revenge?

Raw seafood and milk products usually are high-risk foods for bacterial contamination. Dry foods, such as bread, or fruits that you can peel are safe to eat. Avoid fruits and vegetables that have been cut or handled like grapes, carrot sticks or fruit salads as they will have been washed with untreated water.

How long does Montezuma's Revenge last?

In most cases, the symptoms are going to improve within a day or two, and even without medical treatment, it may clear up within a week. The problem is, you may experience a number of different episodes of Montezuma's revenge while you are traveling, which can make it very difficult to enjoy the trip.

How do I stop feeling sick after traveling?

The following strategies can help you avoid or lessen motion sickness.
  1. Sit in the front of a car or bus.
  2. Choose a window seat on flights and trains.
  3. If possible, try lying down, shutting your eyes, sleeping, or looking at the horizon.
  4. Stay hydrated by drinking water. ...
  5. Eat small amounts of food frequently.
  6. Avoid smoking.

What is it called when you get sick from Mexico?

If so, you may have experienced Montezuma's Revenge. Montezuma's Revenge is diarrhea that is usually experienced by people traveling south of the U.S. border, especially to Mexico and Central America – hence the dramatic name.

Is it OK to have ice in Mexico?

It's very common for travelers to worry about the safety of the water. And once a year I get this silly question about the ice and if it is safe to drink drinks with ice. The simple answer is, YES!

Can you have ice in your drinks in Mexico?

Ice in Mexican restaurants is made with purified water, not tap water. They buy it from an ice factory, and drinkable water comes from plants too in big jugs. As long as you don't make your own ice cubes with tap water, you'll be fine.

Is it OK to drink coffee in Mexico?

Is coffee safe in Mexico? Yes generally coffee is safe to drink throughout Mexico with many excellent coffee shops.

What medicine should I take to Mexico?

Over-the-counter medicines
  • Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
  • Antacid.
  • Antihistamine.
  • Motion sickness medicine.
  • Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant.
  • Decongestant.
  • Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
  • Mild laxative.

Should I take a probiotic 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.

What medicine to take if you drink water in Mexico?

Don't panic! In most cases, a simple Pepto-Bismol or Imodium pill or two can work wonders. Another thing to consider is taking along a preemptive antibiotic prescription should you accidently drink or ingest tap water.