Health and Safety
Traveling with Meds
Take all medications in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage may get lost.
Medications should be in their original prescription containers. If you carry syringes and injectable medications (eg. T-20/Fuzeon), or controlled substances (eg. narcotics), you should carry a letter or prescription from your doctor.
Make sure you bring extra medication in case your trip is delayed.
Learn the generic names of all the medications you are taking. Commercial names of medications may be different in Mexico.
Dealing with Jet Lag
Try to arrive at least a day before the conference to rest and adjust to Mexico City time.
Try to sleep on the plane, at the same time as you would in Mexico.
Drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol.
Do some light exercise on the day you arrive (ideally in the sunlight).
It can take many days to overcome jet lag so plan your conference schedule accordingly
Altitude
Mexico City has an elevation of over 2,240 meters above sea level, which means there is a lot less oxygen in the air than you are likely used to. This can cause shortness of breath, headaches, difficulties with digestion and sleep, and make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
It usually takes a few days to adjust to the altitude so take it easy and drink plenty of water.
Air Pollution
The air pollution in Mexico City has improved in the last few years, and is less of a problem in the summer months when the conference will be held.
Some people, especially those with respiratory problems, may experience runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat or difficulty breathing from the smog.
Try to avoid walking by streets with heavy traffic during rush hours.
Food and Water
Diarrhea, caused by e coli-contaminated food or water, can be a common problem for visitors to Mexico. Symptoms can include frequent loose bowel movements, cramping, nausea, vomiting and fever. Severe cases can cause dehydration and last many days.
To prevent diarrhea always wash your hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet, and:
- Drink only bottled water, or purified, filtered, or boiled water
- Use bottled water for brushing your teeth unless your hotel advertises that their water is purified or “potable”
- Drink canned, boxed, or commercially-bottled carbonated water and drinks.
- Beware of unsealed containers that may have been re-filled
- Avoid food from street vendors or market stalls
- Avoid uncooked vegetables and salads that may have been washed with contaminated water unless from a restaurant or hotel known to cater to tourists
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products
- Beware of foods that may not be adequately cooked or properly refrigerated
- Do not use ice unless it is made from boiled, bottled, or purified water. Freezing does not kill the organisms that cause diarrhea.
If you do get diarrhea, make sure you drink plenty of bottled water to ensure you do not get dehydrated.
Certain antibiotics can treat traveler’s diarrhea, as can the stomach remedy Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). Also, there is an oral vaccine now available that can help prevent travelers diarrhea it as long as both doses are taken at least a week before you arrive in Mexico.
If your diarrhea persists see a doctor or a pharmacist.
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are recommended for Mexico City.
Talk to your doctor or a travel clinic specialist if you intend to travel outside the city after the conference.
Healthcare
International AIDS Conferences usually have a clinic with doctors, nurses and counselors available to help delegates with urgent health problems. If the problem is serious they will arrange for you to see an outside doctor or the hospital. We don’t know yet what sort of health care services will be available for delegates at AIDS2008; when it is known, details will be posted at www.aids2008.org.
Before you leave, you should arrange travel insurance to pay for any emergency health care not provided by the conference.
Medical
Services in Mexico
City
Access to Methadone
Marijuana and Illegal Drugs
It is strongly advised you do not bring illegal drugs into the country or use them while you are in Mexico. Penalties for illegal drug use can be severe, especially for foreigners.
Safety
As in all big cities, Mexico City has its share of crime, although most of this is petty theft like pick pockets.
Take care in crowded areas like markets or subways.
Although the major tourist areas are generally safe it is best to not wear expensive jewelry or flashy watches.
Exercise common sense when walking around, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings.
Unauthorized taxi drivers have been known to mug tourists. Be particularly wary of the green Volkswagen taxis.
Never hail a taxi on the street. Have your hotel or restaurant call you a licensed, regulated taxis, or get one at a taxi stand.