Is It Safe To Travel?
In April 2009, when the initial outbreak of H1N1 Swine Flu first occurred in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a travel advisory, asking citizens to suspend all non-essential travel to Mexico, a region that, at the time, had a very high rate of H1N1 infections. The travel advisory was lifted after three weeks, and currently, there are no country-specific travel restrictions.
However, the State Department has issued an advisory for US citizens traveling to China, warning that if a passenger exhibits flu symptoms, they could face quarantine by the Chinese government. As of Summer 2009, over 2,000 Americans and Mexicans traveling to China have been quarantined.
Cruise Ship Travel
Beginning in the summer of 2009, the cruise line industry initiated new standards aimed at halting the spread of H1N1. If you plan to take a cruise this year, you will be asked to fill out a detailed medical questionnaire before boarding the ship, and any passengers with flu-like symptoms, or who have been exposed to the H1N1 virus previously, will be subject to secondary screening by medical personnel. In addition, cruise lines reserve the right to alter itineraries and substitute ports of call, in order to avoid visiting an area that is currently experiencing an outbreak of H1N1 Flu.
Air Travel
All major airlines are in constant contact with CDC and WHO officials, and are kept apprised of regional outbreaks of the H1N1 virus. Airlines are currently working on contingency plans in the event of further H1N1 outbreaks.
Remember, though, that H1N1 is not an airborne disease; the virus is transmitted through droplets. While traveling in a contained environment could certainly raise the risk of contracting an illness, there is no need to alter travel plans at this time. Again, pay attention to news reports and statements issued by the CDC and WHO.
Healthy Traveling Tips
• Get the H1N1 vaccination as soon as it is available; not only will it protect you, it will prevent you from spreading the flu virus to your family and others.
• Carry clean tissues in the event of coughing and sneezing, and discard them immediately after using.
• Wash your hands often with soap and running water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand gels when soap, hand sanitizers, or germ-prevention sprays are not available.
• Be prepared. Carry a hand sanitizer or germ-fighting spray in your purse, travel bags, or briefcase. Provide them to each person traveling with you.
• Find out if your health insurance plan will cover medial care during your trip. Some insurance companies do not cover out-of-area costs.
• Think about buying travel insurance. If you get ill, this inexpensive insurance might cover the costs of delays or rescheduling to and from your destination.
• Get more travel-related information from the CDC, which operates a comprehensive website here.
• Before traveling, contact the embassy of your destination for the most up-to-date outbreak information as it relates to travel. Click here for a complete list of embassies.