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) - Travel Outside of North America

This travel health notice is NO LONGER IN EFFECT. Click here for a list of current travel health notices.

Released: 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

---

Travel Health Notice

The Public Health Agency of Canada, with the World Health Organization, continues to monitor the spread of cases of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) in several countries around the world.

For travel outside of North America, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers visit this web site and the World Health Organization's web site often for the most recent information on affected countries and recommendations on how to reduce your risk of infection.

For travel within North America, please see the Public Health Agency of Canada web site for the specific travel health notices and warnings. 

About the 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 for 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 frequently
   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 people who appear to have a respiratory illness.
4. Monitor this website and World Health Organization website frequently for updates on the situation and recommendations.
5. If you are travelling to a country where it is flu season (southern hemisphere), get your flu shot.
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.
7. Travellers returning to Canada from countries where the H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu) is occurring and who develop symptoms of H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu), especially high fever, are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

Monitor Your Health

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

1. While on travel:
1. Seek medical advice.
1. A list of physicians can be obtained through the nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate. A listing of these establishments can be accessed through the web site of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade .
2. When back in Canada:
1. If you develop respiratory illness with fever and cough within 7 days of your departure from Mexico, 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 Mexico 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 visit takes place at least 6 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 H1N1 flu virus (human swine flu)
• CDC - Human Swine Influenza Investigation
• CDC- Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)
• CDC - Human Swine Flu
• Fact Sheet on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Travel from the Public Health Agency of Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Information on Influenza
• Other information for Canadian travellers in foreign countries, including accessing a list of possible physicians: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT)