The Vacation Doctor’s got you covered, when you’re in Playa del Carmen and come down with food poisoning. Their physicians can assess your symptoms via WhatsApp within 20 minutes. They’ll send over a prescription to your hotel, or make a house call if your case is severe, and their services are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, right in Playa del Carmen.
Why Food Poisoning Happens to Tourists in Playa del Carmen
Coming down with food poisoning in a foreign country is no coincidence. It’s due to exposure to different bacterial strains found in Mexican cuisine, something that your digestive system isn’t used to. Even a perfectly cooked dish can cause a reaction, as these microorganisms are brand-new to your gut.
Temperature and food handling play a huge role as well. In the sweltering tropical climate, bacteria grow at alarming rates, and buffets, street food and restaurant dishes that sit out, become ideal breeding grounds for pathogens.
Contaminated ice and water are also a major cause of foodborne illness and a lot of people get sick from salads, fresh juices, or drinks containing ice from unknown, and sometimes even contaminated sources.
Vacation eating patterns are also part of the equation. Coming off a plane, and into a holiday mode, we tend to eat more, drink more alcohol and push ourselves beyond our limits, all which can all stress out our stomachs.
When Your Food Poisoning Needs Medical Attention
Mild symptoms (telemedicine appropriate):
Mild symptoms in the cases of food poisoning are usually suitable for a telemedicine consultation and consist of:
- Nausea that’s not followed by persistent vomiting
- A few bouts of mild to moderate diarrhea
- Stomach cramps that come and go
- Fever that doesn’t exceed 101 degrees
- Being able to keep down tiny amounts of fluids
- Symptoms have been present for less than a day
- No blood in your stool or vomit
Serious symptoms (house call recommended):
When you’re in Playa del Carmen and start to experience serious symptoms, a house call is highly recommended:
- Bloody diarrhea or vomiting
- High fever above 102°F
- Severe dehydration signs (dizziness, dark urine, rapid heartbeat)
- Inability to keep down fluids for over six hours
- Symptoms that last beyond 48 hours
- Extreme weakness and disorientation
- Abdominal pain that is not improving
Dr. Oscar can be at your hotel within sixty to ninety minutes and will determine if you need IV fluids or hospitalization.
Not sure which option fits your symptoms? Use our emergency triage tool to find out in 60 seconds.
How to Get Treatment While Traveling
If you’re experiencing mild symptoms, telemedicine is possible and allows you to stay in your hotel room. After a video consultation Dr. Oscar can send you prescription medications, usually consisting of antibiotics and anti-nausea medication, straight to your accommodation within a couple of hours.
House calls are arranged for severe symptoms, and Dr. Oscar personally responds to these requests, unlike a call centre, and has ten plus years of experience in treating tourists in the Riviera Maya. This includes a physical examination, IV hydration and check-ups from the same doctor. Each appointment includes a complimentary 24-hour follow-up, to monitor your recovery.
Getting Help Quickly
If you want to get help quickly:
- Send a WhatsApp message describing your symptoms and location in Playa del Carmen
- Include the time your symptoms started, how severe they are and any medication you’ve taken
- Receive Dr. Oscar’s analysis and suggestion within twenty minutes
- Opt for a telemedicine session with a prescription and delivery within an hour to two hours, or schedule a house call that will be at your place within sixty to ninety minutes
Areas served: Dr. Oscar covers the areas of Centro, Playacar, Quinta Avenida, hotels and any residential areas in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
This information is educational and does not replace professional medical diagnosis. Severe symptoms require immediate medical evaluation.