HI
Just got back from Mexico, where, despite precautions, I did end up with "Montezuma's Revenge". Immodium and Lomotil did nothing---thank goodness someone in the group had some Cipro from their doctor. I would highly recommend people getting some before their trip.

Never leave home without it!!!!!! So as I feel a little I take a Cipro even if it's 1 or 2 it helps a lot.

You can also get Cipro without a prescription at pharmacies in Mexico. Also be careful with the Immodium thing. I'd recommend not using it unless you're about to get on a bus or plane home. All it does is stop you up and that that's housing the bacteria needs to come out. Better let the body expel the bad stuff if you can and keep hydrated.

just returned from Mexico also and ended up sick for one day only. I had severe stomach cramps also along with the other part . some of the guests did and some did not. Will this cipro help the severe cramps also...?. The resort was very clean and talked to others at the airport and some got sick at other resorts also....

Just a comment. Cipro is availible in Mexico and people that have taken it told me it works well. It is, however, a powerful antibiotic and shouldn't be taken when not needed and should be used according to a Doctor's advice. I am fortunate to have been sick only once in 10 years of frequent travel to Mexico. For your next trip my advice is to load up on yogurt for a couple of weeks before going then continue to eat, or drink lots of yogurt drinks with active cultures while in Mexico. This really helps me and those I have taken to Mexico.

One thing that puzzles me in posts on this subject is the feeling many people have that somehow because they eat at their resort hotel only, they will be safe. It is *in* the food the location you eat it does not protect you (LOL!).

What makes people sick can come from many reasons, not all having to do with visual "cleanliness". Whether it is in the water, vegetables, dairly products or from poor refrigeration and handling of food. Or simply types of food your body is not used to.

My best illustration is I would much rather eat at a busy taco stand on the street than an AI buffet table at the end of the day.

Where 'specifically' were you in Mexico? I've been in PV, Mazatlan and Cabo - haven't experienced any problems...yet! Planning a trip 11/4 to PV. Should I plan on Cipro as a precaution, or just wing it - so to speak?

Agree with Suze comments. I visit Mexico often (am in Cozumel now) and rarely have any problems. I, too, enjoy a taco from the tacos stands or a torta from the stands in front of the Playa del Carmen bus station.
I believe much of it is just what your system is accustomed to having. My friends from Cozumel visit me in the U.S. once a year and one of them always gets sick!

In the 15yrs I have been going to P. Vallarta & Cancun & Ixtapa I only got really sick once, Someone told me to load up on Acidopholus tablets for a few wks before I go, Well I did and it didn't work, A nurse told me to ask my dr for Cipro before I go just in case We always take it with us, If I have any cramps I take it immediately and it really works fast. Immodium is only good like someone said if you are getting on a plane and need temporary results quick. Enjoy yourself the water is okay at most places it is purified just be careful what and where you eat.
I always ask if the water is purified they will gladly tell you, if you are not sure buy bottled water

I am planning a trip to Mexico and have heard different opinions about drinking water and getting sick. A friend of mine told me that many native Mexicans buy bottled water. Even if the water is purified I won't take any chances --Are you sure you can get Cipro without a prescription?

I would get it from home I always bring it with me in case I need it I wouldn't want to have to go looking for it. We just call our Doctor and tell him we are going to Mexico and he has the prescription waiting for us. Good luck

Many Mexican families do have bottled water delivered. That's what all those water trucks with the 'Sparklettes' style jugs on the back are for!!

Obviously not common in poor rural areas, but in middle-class towns and cities is the norm.

suze

What's an AL buffet?

Suze, you are SO right about fresh-cooked vs buffet, even if the former is a street vendor and the latter a 4-star hotel. I am off buffets in 3rd world countries foever after my last experience in Cambodia.

People, please do not overuse Cipro. Otherwise it will lose its effectiveness, as bacteria that are resistant to it will survive and thrive.

For Kinda, I meant the buffet style food which is sometimes what is served in an "All-Inclusive" resort hotel package.

Barbara83605 - preferring ala carte, I have not had a problem. If you think this will make for a better trip for your travel partner, then why not.