The Travel Doctor
Traveller's medical & vaccination centre
Ask The Travel Doctor-TMVC
Q: I am due to fly out to the USA in 2 weeks time. Should I be concerned about this new Swine Flu?
Barry, Melbourne
A: This outbreak of human cases of swine (pig) influenza is an emerging threat. As of today (Monday 27th April), there have been reports of more than 60 deaths having occurred in Mexico, and several milder cases, with recovery, in the US, Canada, New Zealand and France. It is not clear what level of risk there is for travelers, and currently WHO are not recommending travel restrictions, however the virus has shown the ability to infect humans easily, and if there is major spread into new human populations, it maybe that national and international health authorities will recommend travel restrictions.
Currently in planning to travel where risk may be occurring, it would be prudent to travel with a Travellers Flu kit, (obtained from our clinics) which contains the anti-viral agent Tamiflu which appears to be useful against this swine influenza. While the current human influenza vaccine does not appear to offer protection against this new virus, it is still recommended for travelers because it does protect against the human strains which are still circulating.
Dr Tony
Disclaimer: Information provided in this health column is of a general nature & should not replace specific advice from your own personal Travel doctor-TMVC consultation.
Not all questions submitted to the website will be answered & Users of this website should always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions they have regarding their health or a medical condition.
