In Mexico city (at 2.500 m.a.s.l.) and in other localities located on altitudes, dizziness, nausea, head aches and agitation while walking could happen to the unaccustomed traveller, owing to the lower amounts of oxygen in the air. These are only momentary symptoms and will cease after a brief acclimatiSing.
Nevertheless, there are some recommendations we can give as to counteract the so called 'altitude sickness'.
- Do not eat or drink too much before your trip.
- Until your body is fully accustomed, be feed frugally. Avoid greasy and over-spiced food, because digestion is slower in high places. Be prudent in consuming tobacco and alcohol.
- Drink lots of water, re-hydrating beverages and infusions. There are some pills to diminish the effects of altitude. Consult your physician.
- Avoid making strenuous movements. Walk calm and slowly until the lack of oxygen does not take your breath away anymore.
On the other hand, in Mexico City -one of the biggest urban conglomerates of the world- ambient pollution and smog could bring you eye nose and throat soreness, as well as fatigue and bad temper.
The degrees of air pollution rise between December and May, due to the increasing heat. Take your precautions and, as possible, try not to go out during rush hours.
If your travelling plan through Mexico includes tropical zones, bear in mind the following advices:
- Although it is not necessary to bring any vaccine certificate to enter the Country and its tropical zones, you should nevertheless ask your physician about the possibility of getting shot against tetanus, typhoid, polio, diphtheria and hepatitis.
- Some isolated cases of malaria have appeared in several areas in the States of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, Michoacán, Nayarit, Colima and Tabasco. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of following a preventive treatment against this disease. With the adequate medications, you would have no problems and will be able of fully enjoying your visit.
- Inside the forests and jungle zones try to wear light clothes covering the most of your body to avoid being bitten by insects. You can also bring your repellent and mosquito coils.
Medical Attention
There is an ample network of public and private hospitals and clinics in Mexico. Health care centres in the major cities of the Country are well prepared for tackling with cases of great complexity.
The emergency rooms in hospitals and clinics remain open 24 hours a day. In addition, hotels have a medical staff within their regular employees, who are prepared to attend sudden emergencies should any occur.
In cities and towns the medical attention shows an intermediate level, while in rural areas only minor first-aid facilities and drugstores could be found. When a major emergency arises, the patients will be transported to the nearest hospital available.
If you lack any medical insurance card, you should have in mind that the approximate cost of a simple consult in any clinic or private doctor's office will amount 450 Pesos (some 42 US Dollars or 34 Euros). This amount will start to raise if the patient needs any exams performed or additional medicines.
Medical Insurance
A Medical Insurance Card could be of great help during your travel. In Mexico you will be able of acceding to the services of international companies. Ask for advice, compare price rates and search about the services offered by them before taking your decision.
In case you need an insurance, you can call:
AIG México Vida: (52-55) 5249-3177 / (52-55) 5249-3182 / 01-800-008-3700 (free call).
ASSIST CARD: (52-55) 5207-9498 / 01-800-906-6690 (free call).
