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 - Travel Outside of North America

Released: May 28, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About H1N1 Flu Virus
• 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, with the World Health Organization, continues to monitor the spread of cases of H1N1 flu virus in several countries around the world. This is a strain of flu virus that has never been identified in humans before.

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.

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.
Some countries have put quarantine measures into place for people travelling from Canada. Information and assistance for Canadians travelling abroad who may be subjected to quarantine measures are provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) .

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)

• 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.

Recommendations for travellers

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. Pay attention to local government and public health announcements movement restrictions and prevention recommendations
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. If you are ill with respiratory illness either before you leave Canada or while abroad, you should delay your travel.
8. 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.
9. 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,

1. If you develop symptoms of flu
1. Stay in your accommodations or hotel (while travelling) or at home (if back in Canada) 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. 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.
5. It is also important to remember that access to adequate medical care abroad may be limited.
6. If further travel is necessary, travellers are reminded that they should not travel while ill and of the possibility, in certain countries, of isolation and quarantine. 
7. 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. 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 …

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)
• 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) .
• Public Health Agency of Canada - Fact Sheet on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Travel