This general advice is intended for individuals, to limit their own personal risk and is not intended to limit the spread of H1N1 flu across national or international borders. The traveler may use the advice below to inform their personal decisions on travel. Prior to travel, all travelers should familiarize themselves with the latest situation both in their country of origin and at their destination. See the individual country pages of this website for more detail.

For considerations relevant to formulating your Company Travel Policy, including measures such as voluntary quarantine, refer to the Traveler Management and HR Issues pages on this website (PIS subscribers only).

To reduce your risk of infection, as well as the risk that your personal movements will be restricted (due to potential quarantine implications), International SOS recommends all travelers should:

• Talk to your travel health professional about whether flu may be a more serious disease for you. Pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, other lung diseases, heart disease, obesity) are at higher risk of severe infection.
• Consider pandemic H1N1 vaccination prior to departure, especially if you are in a higher risk group for severe infection. The vaccine is not available in all countries and may be restricted to certain national priority groups. Your doctor can advise you.
• Consider your general health prior to travel. Your doctor may recommend you carry a course of antiviral medication, to be used in the event that you develop flu symptoms and are unable to get prompt medical attention.
• Monitor the latest information on the virus and quarantine and isolation procedures being implemented at both your origin and your destination.
• Maintain good personal hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Carry a hand sanitizer for use when soap and water aren't readily available.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid people who are obviously sick.
• Ensure all routine vaccinations are up-to-date. This includes pneumocococcal vaccination for some groups of people. Your doctor will advise.
• People who have not had an annual flu vaccination should consider having one to prevent regular seasonal flu.

Other measures to consider, particularly when you are in an area where flu is circulating in the community:

• Avoid crowds as much as possible .
• If you cannot avoid crowds, consider wearing a face mask or respirator (if you are trained in how to use a respirator). See CDC guidance
• Monitor your health, and seek medical attention if you become unwell .

To reduce the spread of flu:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a mask or a tissue.
• Stay at home if you are unwell.
• Limit your contact with others as much as possible.
• Contact your health care provider if you or your children develop flu-like symptoms.
• If practical, before you arrive at the healthcare facility, advise them that you may have flu.