No matter where you go, no matter where you eat, anywhere in the world, there is always a chance of getting ill. Introducing new forms of bacteria into your digestive system can cause stomach upset for some people. This can happen to people traveling from New York to L.A. as well as out of the country, to Europe or Mexico.
There are plenty of old wives tales as well as common practices that may help keep you and your tummy happy while on vacation. If you have specific concerns, past gastric history, or are traveling with small children, you may want to consult a doctor before you go.
Montezuma
Montezuma's Revenge can happen anywhere, not just in Mexico. The common name is traveler's diarrhea, and it can hit some people harder than others. People who travel more often, or just have a naturally stronger stomach may be completely unaffected.
If you do have stomach issues and upsets, visit any local pharmacy in Puerto Vallarta and they will show you the wide variety of options available.
Myth's
It is not always Montezuma in the water. Many travelers blame stomach problems on the water, forgetting to take into account overexposure the sun, dehydration, overindulging in alcohol, high temperatures and high humidity, as well as often lack of sleep and adding spicy foods and tropical fruit they are not used to eating. Simply put, they have changed their entire eating and drinking habits, as well as exposed themselves to a different climate. No, it's not the water; it's the combination of vacation overindulgence.
What to Do
First don't over do it the first day! Everything in Moderation!
Drink plenty of water, and not too much alcohol. Dehydration does not make for vacation bliss.
If you don't normally eat three servings of fruit a day at home, a fruit plate for breakfast, and six fresh strawberry margaritas throughout the day may do you in.
Wash your hands often! This cannot be said enough, wash, wash, wash.
Look for restaurants that are clean and have plenty of happy diners.
Farmacias/pharmacies are abundant through Puerto Vallarta, if you are feeling unwell, ask your hotel for a doctor, or for minor problems a pharmacist can help.
Vaccinations
It is not necessary to have any vaccinations before traveling to Mexico.
The CDC, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not have any alerts or warnings listed for Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding area.
Mosquitoes
Puerto Vallarta has not had any recent cases of malaria. The CDC, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention states on their website "No malaria risk in the major resorts (that is, resorts located in urban areas) along the Pacific and Gulf coasts, although tourists should use insect repellent and other anti-mosquito measures."
Insect repellent is widely available throughout Puerto Vallarta and it is recommended that travelers use repellent when going into the jungle and lush areas in the early morning, afternoons and evenings.
Cases of Dengue, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, have been reported in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding area in recent years, though currently, due to the diligence of Puerto Vallarta's Department of Health the number of cases have dwindled to a handful from the outlaying mountainous areas. It is also good to know that resorts and condos take great care in mosquito control and it is unlikely you will encounter any mosquitoes at all.
|
