Take Precautions for your Trip

If you are travelling, take precautions to avoid getting and spreading influenza.

• Get Vaccinated
  Free H1N1 Flu Vaccination Clinics are being offered throughout Niagara region for priority groups. Public Health is monitoring the situation and will update this site when these clinics become open to everyone over the age of six months.

• Visit your Health Care Provider before you travel to discuss:

  • Whether you are up to date with your routine vaccinations and what vaccines you need for your destination.
  • The H1N1 flu virus situation in your destination and available health care in the area.
  • 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).

• Bring Alcohol-based Hand Rub
  Alcohol-based hand rub (containing 60 - 90% alcohol) can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. Keep some in your pocket or purse when you travel. (You can carry a maximum of 100ml on the plane with you)

• Clean your Hands Regularly
  By cleaning your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.

• Practice Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette

• Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs
• Clean your hands afterwards

• Keep Updated on the H1N1 Virus
  Monitor Public Health Agency of Canada, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and the World Health Organization websites frequently for updates on the situation and recommendations.

Returning from your Trip

If you are exhibiting symptoms of a respiratory illness after returning home, we recommend the following:

• Call your health care provider or Telehealth Ontario and tell them you have been travelling if you experience flu-like symptoms and:
  • Are pregnant
  • Have heart or lung disease
  • Have chronic health problems that require regular medical attention
  • Are elderly
  • Have an illness that affects your immune system (e.g., diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS)
• Stay home if you are sick. Stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication.
  
  
• Avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
  
  

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