Swine Flu and Air Travel Tips and Advice During the H1N1 Pandemic

In light of the spread of Swine flu / H1N1 the CDC has made a number of recommendations regarding travel, and precautions travelers may want to take.

Those at higher risk for complications from the flu

• Talk with your doctor about what to do if you develop symptoms of flu and what sort of treatment options could be considered based on where you may be traveling.
• Find out about available health care options at the destination.
• Consider postponing travel is an option as well for those at high risk for complications.
• Some of those considered to be at high risk for complications: Children less than 5 years old, especially those younger than 2 years old, pregnant women, people with serious health conditions - listed on the CDC's website.

The CDC does note that healthy people can make travel plans as normal, and to take normal precautions to stay healthy when they travel.

When you travel
Some of the CDC's recommendations include:

• Look into the other health issues and travel recommendations for your destination.
• Pack a travel health kit with basic first aid / medical supplies.
• Find out where local doctors / hospitals are at your travel destination.
• Confirm what your health insurance will cover during your trip, and purchase additional medical insurance if needed.
• "Do not travel if you are sick. This is both for your comfort and to keep others from getting sick... If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact a health-care provider or seek medical care. Otherwise, stay home and avoid travel for at least 24 hours after fever or fever-like symptoms are gone. Your fever should be gone without using a medicine that reduces fever."
  
  Other resources: Canada - Fight Flu
  World Health Organization - H1N1 2009