Is It Time To Travel To Mexico?
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There has been even more fallout from the so-called H1N1 flu, or the “infodemic,” as some are calling it.

What’s so crazy about that is that it’s no longer front page news.
Gee, duh.

Most importantly, it’s become a great time to go to Mexico.

It’s reported that the Mexican economy may lose more then $2 billion on this one hit alone. They are going to take a big hit on their GDP, but that means it’s a buyers market and a great silver lining if you practice good personal hygiene and great common sense.

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I laughed when a flight from Germany was diverted to Boston because a passenger was exhibiting flu-like symptoms. Are you kidding me? Every time I get on a plane we’re all exhibiting flu like symptoms. Come on.

We all know Mexico City went into total panic—masks, ton of stuff closed down including movie theaters and restaurants—and it really looked pretty scary from the view here. But on the Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta, it really was a non-event. The government ordered that restaurants and public places and seaport shut down. And they did it for two or three days but there were no cases; not even anybody sniffling. People took it with a grain of salt. I have friends who are doctors, and they told me those masks are almost useless. Anything can get through to the person wearing it and it’s only of some use in helping to prevent the spread.

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When I started making new plans for Mexico this year a lot of friends thought I was nuts. It’s so crazy because Mexico has 107 million people and, me being someone who really likes Mexico—not all Mexicans are trying to get over the border, not all Mexicans are shooting each other in drug wars, not all Mexicans are political, and not all Mexicans have the swine flu. Mexico City is a big place with a huge economy and lots of people who were willing to go through this scare and come out the other end.

Bottom line, this infodemic has been absolutely devastating. People who live hand to mouth in terms of restaurants are completely broke and they’re certainly not going to get bailed out by their government. So I say go. Do your research ahead of time and see if there have been any incidences of outbreaks; but the incidences are fewer and fewer. Think about this critically, if two people get the flu in Chicago … would we really be saying that you shouldn't fly to Phoenix?

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People should just get a map out and look. Cancun, the whole Riviera Maya, the Yucatan, even Puerto Vallarta—it just doesn’t even register. I think you have as good a chance of catching the flu as getting hit by lightning. Now I’m not a medical guy, and I do not want to be the one who says it’s absolutely OK but I will tell you this— “You can’t stop living.”

We should look through the fear mongering, realize that the supposed "threat" is not just our plans for Mexico; it’s every travel plan whether it is in Asia, Africa, New York, Dallas… Do your homework, see your doctor. If your immune system isn’t compromised, if you don’t have a pre-existing medical condition, and you can practice some basic common sense, my advice lets go to Mexico.

Dr. Michael Thompson

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