H1N1 Prevention: 10 Tips Before You Travel

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently has the H1N1 virus set to Phase 6, meaning they are unable to contain the virus. For travelers, this means they could catch the H1N1 virus overseas.

If you are currently planning a trip overseas, protecting yourself from the H1N1 virus is vital for your health-and safety. Use these tips to prevent H1N1 transmission before traveling.

H1N1: 10 Tips Before You Travel
Tip 1#: Do not travel if you are a part of a H1N1 risk group. People at a higher risk for catching the H1N1 virus include the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, children under 5, and pregnant women.

Tip #2: Add hand sanitizers to the "must pack" list. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers help remove bacteria and other parasites from your hands, which helps prevent H1N1 virus transmission.

Tip 3#: Do not travel when feeling sick. Having a mild illness while traveling overseas makes people more susceptible to the H1N1 virus. If you become sick, hold off the travel plans and get medical care instead. Reschedule travel plans for another time.

Tip 4#: Pack a "health kit" in your travel bag (click here for full instructions). This kit, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is essential for staying healthy during any trip.

Tip 5#: Stay informed about the CDC's current travel recommendations for your travel destination. If they recommend additional precautions for avoiding H1N1 transmission during your trip, do not ignore it. Print the guidelines out if the guidelines are difficult to memorize.

Tip 6#: Know the location of local hospitals in or around the travel destination. Print out local directions to hospitals near your hotel or resting establishment. This is essential for receiving quick medical assistance if the H1N1 virus is contracted.

Tip 7#: Find out if your health insurance plan covers medical care overseas. According to the CDC, most health insurance companies do not provide travel coverage. Purchasing additional travel coverage is available with some companies, however. Treating the H1N1 virus overseas can be very expensive, but travel insurance can lower its cost.

Tip 8#: Get all routine vaccinations before traveling. The H1N1 virus can attack in surprising ways, so make sure your vaccinations are up to date. Ask your doctor about additional vaccinations that can keep you safe during your trip.

Tip 9#: Do not travel to a country experiencing a huge H1N1 outbreak. Even if you are relatively healthy, staying in a country experiencing an outbreak significantly increases the risk of contracting the H1N1 virus. Play it safe-stay home if there is an outbreak in or around your travel destination.

Tip 10#: Learn everything you can about the signs and symptoms of the H1N1 flu. Catching the virus early is your best bet for a quick recovery. If you begin developing symptoms of a H1N1 virus infection during your trip, get medical help fast. Learn about its symptoms here.

For more advice, recommendations, and tips for preventing H1N1 virus transmission before traveling, visit CDC.gov.

Sources:
"Novel H1N1 Flu: Global Situation" (CDC.gov)