« Improve Your Immunity | Main | Emergency First Responder Training »
Travel and Bird Flu
Avian flu can rear its head at any time, impacting your travel plans. There are precautions you can take to minimize its affect on you, like buying a health or medical travel insurance, washing your hands often, and avoiding animals (live and at the market), especially birds, on your travels. Learn what avian flu symptoms look like and be careful to get medical help during or after your travels should you get sick.
Summer is here and people are thinking of traveling. One of the issues you might consider when making your plans is how will avian flue affect your choice of destinations. Avian flu is occurring in poultry and humans in parts of Asia, Europe and the Near East. Currently, the CDC does not recommend travel restrictions to affected countries. However, the CDC advises that travelers to these countries avoid poultry farms, contact with animals in live food markets and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals. Birds spread the avian flu virus through their saliva, nasal secretions and feces.
Before you travel, consider the following preparations: be sure you are up to date with all routine vaccinations, assemble a basic first aid kit, learn about medical services you hear insurance will cover overseas, compile a list of travel insurance and medical evacuation companies, and visit the CDC's travelers health website.
If you become ill while traveling and experience symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing, a U.S. Consulate officer can assist you in locating medical services and informing your family. Also, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently and don't continue traveling except to seek medical attention.
When you return from traveling, pay close attention to your health for 10 days. If you develop fever, cough, sore throat or breathing problems then, seek medical attention.
Enjoy a summer of happy, healthy traveling.
