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Swine flu pandemic
The number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) across the world continues to grow. The World Health Organisation's current pandemic alert level is Phase 6. This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the A(H1N1) Swine Flu virus in more than one WHO region. The alert phase refers to the geographical spread of the pandemic, not its severity.
About to travel overseas?
In some instances Swine flu might affect your travel plans, you should therefore consult the travel advice for the country concerned; it would also be wise to subscribe to email alerts that will notify you of any changes before you travel. If you are overseas and are seeking specific advice on the country in which you are located you should also consult our travel advice.
Medical screening for swine flu has been introduced by local authorities at some airports for passengers arriving on international flights. You may be required to undergo further tests if you show flu-like symptoms. Containment measures may be introduced or changed with little or no notice.
Some countries have put quarantine measures in place for people travelling from affected countries, or in one case at a hotel where an infected person had been staying. British nationals who find themselves quarantined overseas should contact their nearest British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate who will be able to offer consular assistance, though access may be limited due to the quarantine restrictions.
Advice for travellers
Before you travel
- If you have swine flu, do not travel until you are no longer showing symptoms [opens in a new window].
- Check to see if your destination is reporting cases of swine flu. You can look on the NaTHNaC website for up-to-date case totals [opens in a new window].
- Stock up on waterless alcohol-based hand gels.
- You should also consider:
- whether you need to go to a swine flu affected area
- the risk of getting swine flu at your destination
- the level of medical care including access to anti-viral medications in the event you need treatment for an influenza-like illness (fever plus two or more of cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches or headache).
- You should receive appropriate vaccines and other preventive measures for your destination. This includes seasonal influenza vaccine if you come under the recommended risk groups (see NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet on Influenza [opens in a new window])
- You should obtain comprehensive travel health insurance, and clarify any exclusions to coverage
- You should also check the policy of your carrier or tour operator on transporting people who are ill, or who have been exposed to or diagnosed with the A(H1N1) swine flu virus.
During travel
Influenza is transmitted via the respiratory route and you should exercise sensible precautions:
- Follow public health guidance at your destination.
- Avoid crowding or mass gatherings.
- Where possible avoid close contact with persons who are ill with an flu-like illness.
- Wash hands with soap and water; use waterless alcohol-based hand gels when soap and water is not available.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes, to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue promptly.
- Keep hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, countertops) clean using a normal cleaning solution.
- Ensure that children follow similar advice.
- Swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products.
- There is little evidence of the effectiveness of wearing masks, However, properly fitted special grade masks can be worn in situations such as healthcare settings.
- If you fall ill whilst overseas (especially with flu-like symptoms) you should seek medical assistance. Where possible the British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate should be able to provide British nationals with details of English-speaking doctors and information on the local availability of anti-virals.
After you travel
Travellers who have visited affected areas should monitor their health for seven days after the visit. If you develop a flu-like illness with cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache or muscle aches, within seven days you should:
- check your symptoms [opens in a new window] via the direct.gov.uk website [opens in a new window] or via the relevant telephone helpline
- limit contact with other people
- cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue promptly
- wash hands with soap and water
- keep hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, countertops) clean using a normal cleaning solution.
How we can help
We are working closely with the Department of Health and other areas of HM Government. We have provided a dedicated free phone number for all British nationals overseas to call if they are concerned about the current swine flu outbreak: +44 207 928 1010.
As far as possible, we will continue to deliver a consular service for British nationals resident or travelling overseas through our network of Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates, although there may be a limited service in some places affected by swine flu, depending on the scale and severity of the outbreak. Any change to the level of service we can provide, will be reflected in our travel advice for that country.
Staff in our Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates may not be able to make personal visits to those infected with swine flu, nor can we provide any medical treatment (including anti-virals).
Where possible and practical our Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates have been asked to update their own websites with swine flu related advice and guidance.
If you are living or are travelling overseas, please register on LOCATE so that we will be able to keep you informed of any significant changes in our travel advice.
British nationals overseas
If you live in a country affected by swine flu, you should monitor our travel advice and, as with other medical matters, assure yourself of your own healthcare arrangements. This might include obtaining access to anti-viral medicine. If you have any concerns over your own health, you should seek medical advice.
British nationals working overseas should speak to their employers about plans they have in place. Such plans may include access to anti-viral treatment for employees and/or repatriation to the UK.
The British Government will not be in the position to offer evacuation of British nationals in the event of an influenza pandemic.
Many countries may have limited availability of anti-viral drugs. Our Embassy/High Commission/Consulate staff may be able to provide advice on the availability of local medicines or healthcare, but we cannot provide medical treatment (including anti-viral medication).
The UK Response
The Department of Health website gives further information on what the UK is doing in response to the outbreak. For guidance specific to the UK, more information is available from the Directgov website.
- NHS Choices offers health advice
- National Pandemic Flu Service website offers an online assessment and treatment tool for patients in England.
- Health Protection Agency has advice on measures which can be taken to prevent infection. General infection control practices and good respiratory hand hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza.
General information
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is coordinating the global response to human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) and monitoring the corresponding threat of an influenza pandemic. Comprehensive advice and information on the current situation can be found on the WHO website.
More information is available from:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 Flu (Swine flu)
NaTHNaC Country Information pages
