Swine Influenza – What you need to be aware of

Swine influenza (also swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Strains endemic in swine are called swine influenza virus (SIV).

In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person recovers fully in a few days.

1. What are the 5 simple steps a customer should take while traveling?

• Check on health care resources in the area you'll be visiting before you depart.

• While you're in an area with reported swine flu cases, wash your hands often with soap and water, or if soap isn't available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• If you get sick while traveling, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and throw the tissue in the trash afterward.

• Seek medical care if you are ill with a fever and other symptoms of swine flu, especially if you think you may have had contact with someone with swine flu or severe respiratory illness in the seven days before you got sick.

2. Do’s and Dont’s while traveling to another country during this tenure?

• Before traveling, people in high-risk groups -- such as the elderly and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease -- should get the prescription antiviral medications Tamiflu or Relenza to take while traveling in areas that have reported cases of swine flu.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you're sick, don't travel, except to get local medical care. Try to limit contact with other people, so your germs don't spread.

3. What should travelers do while coming back into the country?

Once you get home from an area with reported swine flu cases, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) asks that you closely monitor your health for seven days. If you get sick during that time, call your doctor or clinic for an appointment. And when you arrive for your appointment, tell the doctor your symptoms where you traveled, and if you had close contact with someone infected with swine flu.

4. In case of emergency what should they do in the country they are traveling to?

Take updates from the CDC, WHO, and local health authorities, and follow their guidelines.

The author is Mr. Vijay Mohan Raj, Chairman, Communications,Travel Agents Association of India.