Public Health Agency of Canada
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This travel health notice is being provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada in response to the recent outbreak of H1N1 flu virus. 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 in the United States
Updated: May 28, 2009
H1N1 Flu Virus
- Travel Health Notice
- About H1N1 Flu Virus
- Recommendations to Travellers
- Monitor your Health
- Don't Forget...
- Other Related Information
Travel Health Notice
The Public Health Agency of Canada continues to monitor the spread of H1N1 flu virus in the United States. This is a strain of flu virus that has never been identified in humans before. Please refer to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
for current information on the number of cases and states affected.
Individuals who are ill with respiratory illness either before leaving Canada or while abroad should delay travel to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus.
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
- H1N1 flu virus is caused by a new strain of the influenza A H1N1 virus.
- It is a new flu virus of swine origin that has never been previously detected in either human or swine
- This new virus is being detected among humans and is currently being spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms
- Usually includes symptoms similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills, 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 to Travellers
- Wash your hands
frequently
- By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
- 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.
- Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
- Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
- Try to avoid contact with people who appear to have a respiratory illness
- Monitor this website and the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website frequently for updates on the situation and recommendations.
- Pay attention to local government and public health announcements and prevention recommendations
- If you are ill with respiratory illness either before you leave Canada or while in the United States you should delay your travel.
- 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.
- Travellers returning to Canada from countries where the H1N1 flu virus is occurring and who develop symptoms of H1N1 flu virus, especially high fever, are advised to follow recommendations in the Monitor Your Health section.
Monitor your Health
While travelling or back in Canada,
- If you develop symptoms of flu
- Stay in your accommodations or hotel (while traveling) or at home (if back in Canada) and avoid contact with others until 7 days have passed since your symptoms started.
- Wash your hands frequently
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hand
- 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
- If further travel is necessary, travellers are reminded that they should not travel while ill.
- Should your symptoms worsen
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 …
- 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.
- What to do if you get sick when you are travelling
- What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada
- 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
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