Swine Flu in California and Texas

Released: April 25, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About Swine Flu
• Recommendations to Travellers
• Don't Forget...
• Other Related Information

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Travel Health Notice

The Public Health Agency of Canada is tracking a number of cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) (swine flu) identified in the states of California and Texas. None of the cases involves direct contact with pigs which is usually how the virus is spread to humans.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.

It is recommended that travellers follow the same precautionary measures as with seasonal influenza including receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, washing your hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill.

Canadians who have recently travelled to California and/or Texas and who develop flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

About Swine Influenza (swine flu)

• Swine influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) is a respiratory infection that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
• Sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred, however these are usually caused by direct exposure to pigs.
• Human to human transmission of swine influenza has been documented.

Symptoms

• Usually include symptoms similar to season influenza (flu) including headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur in adults as well as in children.
• In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

Recommendations for travellers

1. Wash your hands
   1. By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
   2. Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
   1. Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid close contact with sick people
   1. Cover your mouth and nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
4. Monitor your health
   1. If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to Canada, you should see a seek medical attention immediately
   2. Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling to California and/or Texas.

Don't Forget …

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada
4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them

Other Related Information

• PHAC - Human Swine Influenza Investigation