Flu when travelling

International travel may well involve an increased risk for acquiring influenza, whether it is seasonal human illness , or a unusual exotic local outbreak of avian or swine flu infection.

Travelling involves moving through crowded airport or transport environments, often with people from all over the world. This obviously has the potential for spreading communicable diseases, particularly those spread by respiratory means. Coughs and colds are common, and crowded public places are common transmission locations for influenza.

Seasonal influenza spreads more in winter seasons in the temperate climates, but is an all-year-round infection in tropical countries.

Current recommendations are that all travellers should receive an annual influenza vaccine.

Avian influenza is an issue for travellers to be aware of current outbreaks and take appropriate preventive action. The disease has not infected any travellers to date, but care should be exercised in destinations where the disease has established in bird populations.

Swine flu, or more properly called Pandemic H1N1 2009 flu, has spread all around the world since emerging in March this year.  It has peaked in the southern hemishere countries where rates are now declining as warmer weather approaches.  It is still fairly constant in the tropical countries where spot-outbreaks are occuring, and in the northern hemisphere, where the weather is getting cooler, the possibility of a second wave of infections remains a threat.

All international travellers should have the H1N1 vaccine prior to travel.  Contact us or make an appointment  at The Travel Doctor-TMVC. The cost is fully rebateable via Medicare so there are no out of pocket expense.  Travellers Flu kits, which contain masks, handgel and tamiflu, are also available.