Influenza Virus A(H1N1) Travel FAQ

Personal precautionary measures for persons who are travelling to prevent transmission of respiratory infections

1. Avoid close contact with sick people

• People with one or more of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue may be infected with influenza or another virus. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with infection by the novel influenza virus.
• Maintain a distance of 2 metres from someone with symptoms of influenza and avoid crowded situations. When distance cannot be maintained, reduce the time of close contact with people who might be ill as much as possible.  When sick people or crowded situations can not be avoided, reduce the time in these situations to the extent possible.

2. Wash or clean your hands frequently

Washing or disinfecting your hands often will help protect you from germs.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduce the amount of influenza virus on contaminated hands although washing with soap and water is more effective.

3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.