The United States, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and India have joined the European Union in issuing high level Swine Flu related travel advisories, telling citizens that they should defer all non-essential travel to Mexico.
India has also issued a defer travel warning for the United States, New Zealand, France and Canada. The Australian advisory included the US and Canada as well, but did not go as far as warning against travel:
On 24 April 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) advised Australia of an outbreak of influenza illness in the United States and Mexico. On 27 April 2009 cases were also identified in Canada. The illness appears to be a new strain of swine (pig) influenza. The United States, Canadian and Mexican governments are taking the appropriate measures and are being supported by the WHO….
Vaccination against seasonal influenza two weeks prior to travel is still recommended, although the degree of protection against the new strain is not clear. Travelers should practice hand hygiene (washing and drying of hands) and respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing). You should consult a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately if you develop flu-like symptoms. If unwell on your return to Australia with a respiratory illness (fever and cough) contact your General Practitioner by telephone. Let your GP know that you have traveled to the United States.
Other countries have also issued travel advisories, or are in the process of doing so. The advice targeted at Canada has not been well received, with the Canadian Government accusing Australia of over-reacting to the crisis.
For all the latest, follow our updated Swine Flu coverage, including breaking Swine Flu news from around the web. If you’re concerned you might have Swine Flu, see: Swine Flu symptoms .
