travel to Mexico

First trip on a cruise ship to Mexico and Grand Cayman
Because I am on immunosuppression what precautions can I take to stay healthy
while on the ship and in ports?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hi Chris,

First, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Before I answer your question, I have some questions of my own...

1. How long will you be gone on the cruise?
2. What ports are you planning to visit in Mexico?
3. Are you otherwise healthy?
4. How severe is your immunosuppressive state?

Some general comments:

From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) we know that approximately 50% of travelers will experience some health problem while abroad. Eight percent will need to be seen by a physician, and 5% will be confined to bed. Three hundred in 100,000 will be admitted to hospital and 50 in 100,000 will require air evacuation.

That being said, and as you know, your risk of becoming ill with an infectious disease is significantly greater than someone with a healthy immune system.

The following usual travel precautions listed below will be even more important for you.
1. Frequent hand washing with soap. If soap and water is not available, use hand sanitizer (for example - Purel).
2. Eat fruit that requires peeling.
3. Avoid "fresh-squeezed" juices, sushi, undercooked meats, shellfish, and eating buffet-style meals.
4. If you begin to feel ill, alert the Ship's physician as soon as possible.
5. Take a back-up supply of your usual prescription medications and any over-the-counter medications that you commonly use.
6. Avoid drinking tap water and bottled water in port cities. In these settings, bottled water may not be up to the standard that you are used to here in the U.S.

Lastly, I would recommend making an appointment with or calling your personal physician before you go on your trip so that you can ask if he or she has any other advice for you to help you stay well and able to enjoy the cruise.

Travel well.

- Dr. Parks