This travel health notice is being provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada in response to the recent outbreak of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) in North America. This document has been developed to protect the health of Canadian travellers. This travel health notice is based on current available scientific evidence about this emerging disease, and is subject to review and change as new information becomes available.

H1N1 Flu Virus (Human Swine Flu) in the United States

Update: May 1, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About H1N1 Flu Virus (Human Swine Flu)
• Recommendations to Travellers
• Monitor your Health
• Don't Forget...
• Other Related Information

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Travel Health Notice

The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor the spread of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) in the United States. Please refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for current information on the number of cases and states affected.

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 (CDC) is investigating to determine the source of the infection and whether additional people have been infected with similar swine influenza viruses.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers follow precautionary measures for seasonal influenza when travelling to affected areas in the United States.

About H1N1 Flu Virus(Human Swine Flu)

• Swine influenza (swine influenza A H1N1) is a virus that usually affects pigs but occasionally can make people sick.
• Sustained human –to- human transmission of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) has not previously been documented.

Recommendations to Travellers

Please note: These recommendations also apply to all business travellers and travellers attending special events such as conferences and large-scale gatherings such as concerts.

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 nose with your sleeve to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid contact with people who appear to have a respiratory illness
4. Monitor this website and the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website frequently for updates on the situation and recommendations.
5. Pay attention to local government and public health announcements
6. If you are at risk of severe illness from influenza (for example, persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, elderly or children under 2 years of age), see your health care provider before you travel.

Monitor your Health

If you develop symptoms of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu):

1. While on travel:
1. Seek medical advice.
2. When back in Canada:
1. If you develop respiratory illness with fever and cough within 7 days of your departure from the United States, you are advised to:
1. Stay at home and avoid contact with others until 7 days have passed since your symptoms started
2. Wash your hands frequently
3. Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hand
4. Contact your health care provider to inform him/her of your symptoms and recent travel history to the United States and to help determine if treatment is recommended
5. If you are sick and must go out, a face mask should be worn if available to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community
2. Should your symptoms worsen:
1. Before seeking medical attention, it is recommended that you call ahead to your health care provider or urgent care facility to inform them of your symptoms and your recent travel history.

Don't Forget …

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic before you travel.  It is best if this takes place at least six weeks before departure.
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

• Fightflu.ca 
• Public Health Agency of Canada – Information on Human H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Fact Sheet on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Travel
• Public Health Agency of Canada – Information on Influenza
• CDC - Human Swine Influenza