Traveling in Mexico despite drug violence, H1N1 flu

Keep in mind that the drug war is far from most resorts and other tourist areas and follow the U.S. State Department recommendations. And if possible, get immunized against the swine flu beforehand.

Wherever you go in Mexico, the U.S. State Department recommends you stay on the beaten path, carry a working cellphone, tell others where you're going and register to receive State Department e-mail notifications.

On the flu front, Mexico drew worldwide attention in April and May when H1N1 was blamed for dozens of deaths. In the offices of Passport Health Los Angeles, a travel medicine and immunization clinic, executive director Rayann Aziz recalls the concern that erupted then.

But lately, the U.S. and Mexico are in the same position -- jointly leading the world in cases.

So Aziz's advice for anybody traveling to Mexico is identical to her advice for those staying home: Get a 2009 H1N1 vaccination, especially if you're in a high-priority group (which includes pregnant women; people who live with or care for children up to 6 months old; healthcare and emergency medical services workers; those 6 months to 24 years old; and anyone 25 to 64 with a chronic health disorder or compromised immune system).

chris.reynolds@latimes.com

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