Comments on: How to avoid getting sick in India

By: jennymackness

jennymackness — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:32:08 +0000

Hi Lucy – thanks for that comment. But would you say that starving yourself and drinking loads of water helps? It’s what I’ve always done and it’s always worked, but maybe I’ve never had anything serious. I’ve never had to take antibiotics.

Jenny

By: Lucy H

Lucy H — Sun, 13 May 2012 11:41:05 +0000

The only thing I would argue is on the imodium. Imodium does not trap the bug as a bug is not eradicated by the sickness symptoms – thats all they are, symptoms – a result of the toxins etc of the bug. What gets rid of the bug is your immune system e.g. say you get the dreaded parasite gardia in india – the tummy trouble is a result of the parasite, but no amount of going to the toilet will get rid of the parasite – only antibiotics, therefore imodium will not ‘trap’ in the bug. My source? I am a med student.

By: brainysmurf

brainysmurf — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 23:34:09 +0000

Agreed! Some of the fancier restaurants I saw in Mexico (Isla Mujeres, specifically) didn’t seem to have big enough crowds to ensure fresh food. And some of the street vendors were great, very fresh. I miss the fresh coconut milk!

Azim, if you get the chance for a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, it’s well worth it. Playa Norte (north beach) is a 5 min. walk from the ferry and you’ll find nice vendors on the side streets (avoid the ones on the two main streets). Isla Contoy is also fantastic (bird sanctuary and beach) as a day trip from Cancun if you like. Enjoy and safe travels!

By: jennymackness

jennymackness — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 08:04:30 +0000

@vandewst (@stefaanvw) Thanks for your comment. I think you make a very good point about about not equating good restaurants with expensive restaurants and that a restaurant that is popular with the locals is likely to be one of high quality. As visitor from the UK, though, I would still be very careful about where I ate.

By: vandewst (@stefaanvw)

vandewst (@stefaanvw) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:09:52 +0000

Nice list, although I disagree strongly with one item, only eating in expensive restaurants. I would rather advise to visit restaurants where a lot of locals go as the food will be fresh and the quality likely higher. Expensive restaurants tend to look nice from the outside but use not-so-fresh ingredients for foreigners who won’t come back anyway.

By: jennymackness

jennymackness — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 06:55:57 +0000

Hi brainysmurf – thanks for the uesful additions to the list, which all make sense, especially bottled water for brushing your teeth, which is so easy to forget
Jenny

By: Azim

Azim — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:08:25 +0000

Great advice. I am traveling to Cancun, Mexico in two weeks time.

By: brainysmurf

brainysmurf — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:45 +0000

This is great advice, Jenny, and I would say the very same holds true for my visits to Mexico over the years. I would add four recommendations to the list:

1. Try not to swallow any water in the shower.

2. Remember to use bottled water for brushing your teeth.

3. Try not to swallow any sea water if you’re swimming.

4. Gatorade and bananas are a big help for keeping up your electrolytes and a bit of energy.

Sorry to hear the lads were so ill. Hope they feel better soon.