Travel and Swine Flu – What You Need to Know
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If you have watched the news, glanced at a newspaper, or surfed the Internet in the last few months, you have undoubtedly been hit with a barrage of news about the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. But before you call off your vacation plans and hole up in your house for the upcoming flu season, here are a few things you should know about travel risks associated with H1N1.
First of all, for all healthy adults, there are currently no travel restrictions in place due to the swine flu. In previous months, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended canceling any unnecessary travel to Mexico, but those restrictions have since been retracted. According to the World Health Organization, travel restrictions are not being put in place because the H1N1 virus is already widespread. This means that travel restrictions would do little to stop the spread of this virus.
However, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should definitely rethink your travel plans until you are well. The CDC recommends that you avoid travel for seven days if you do get the flu or are ill.
Symptoms of swine flu include:
1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Runny or stuffy nose
4. Body aches
5. Headache
6. Chills
7. Fatigue
8. Diarrhea
9. Vomiting
If you are currently experiencing one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor before you finalize any travel plans.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you check with your doctor before you travel is you fall into any of these areas that are considered high risk:
1. Pregnant women
2. Seniors age 65 and older
3. Children younger that 5
4. Chronic medical condition, including asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
5. Children under 18 who are on long-term aspirin therapy
6. Anyone with a weakened immune system, including adults and children who have HIV.
Again, while there are currently no travel restrictions because of the H1N1 outbreak, if you are traveling abroad you may want to check and see how your destination country is handling the swine flu outbreak. Other countries have the right to screen or quarantine travelers who are suspected to be infected with H1N1, and the State Department of the United States cannot demand release if you are quarantined abroad.
Whether you are currently traveling, planning a trip, or choose to stay home, here are the CDC’s recommendations for preventing the swine flu:
1. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands; use a tissue or sneeze into your elbow.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water – especially after you cough or sneeze. If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
3. Avoid touching your face.
4. Avoid contact with sick people.
5. Stay home if you are sick.
