What does yesterday’s ‘Influenza Pandemic’ announcement mean for International School Travel?

The WHO (World Health Organisation) yesterday raised the alert of Influenza A(H1N1 virus) to level 6, making it a pandemic. This is due to the spread of the virus to more countries and the fact it is now considered unstoppable. What this means for international travel is a heightened awareness of minimizing transmission risk, monitoring group and/or personal symptoms and being aware of appropriate response. 

What does Level 6 Mean?

This pandemic level sets national authorities in motion to implement preparedness plans, identify cases as efficiently as possible, and minimize serious illness and deaths with proper treatment. Yesterday in her announcement the WHO Director General, Dr Margaret Chan stated that they have good reason to believe that this pandemic, at least in its early days, will be of moderate severity. 

Is it safe to travel? 

Yes. The WHO is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A(H1N1) virus. Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community. 

Scientific research based on mathematical modeling shows that restricting travel would be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, validate this. 

What should you do when traveling? 

Although identifying signs and symptoms of influenza in travelers can help track the path of the outbreak, it will not reduce the spread of influenza, as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. 

If you feel ill, you should delay travel plans. If when you return to your home country you become ill, you should contact you health care provider. In fact, if you have any doubts at all about your health, you should check with your health care provider. 

What can you do to protect yourself?   

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures: 

• avoid touching your mouth and nose;
• clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
• avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
• practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

What are we doing? 

Being prepared and aware is the key to assisting the international goal of reducing transmission. We have put together information for travelers arriving to each of our international destinations which includes everyday preventive actions for students and staff. We also remain updated on national response plans in place. Our planning procedures also includes guidelines and recommendations for our on tour group leaders, so they are prepared to deal with a situation on the ground. 

Where can you get more information? 

The following websites offer some useful information, updates and links:

The WHO: http://www.who.int/en/

New Zealand Ministry of Health: http://www.moh.govt.nz also   www. fluinfo.org.nz

United Kingdom Department of Health: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm

Australian Department of Health: http://www.health.gov.au/

Chilean Ministry of Health: www.minsal.cl/

Argentinean Ministry of Health: http://www.msal.gov.ar/htm/site/default.asp


Parting Comments: 


“People might imagine a virus is now going to rush in and kill everyone, that’s not going to happen.”
John Oxford, Professor of virology at St. Bart’s and Royal London Hospital. 

 
In summary the influenza A(H1N1) virus appears to be quite manageable with the resources and knowledge we have at hand. The situation should not affect travel decisions at this stage through fear alone, however we should do everything recommended to reduce the risk of spread and personal infection during travel. We will monitor the situation and implement safeguards and response as necessary. 

I personally look forward to continuing our objective to enrich the lives of all those in our care through international travel. 

Kind regards,
Eryn

--
Eryn Cutler
Managing Director
Educating Adventures Limited