INFLUENZA (FLU)

Released: February 24, 2009

• Travel Health Notice
• About Influenza
• Where is Influenza a concern?
• Recommendations for Travellers
• Don't Forget...
• Other Related Information

Travel Health Notice

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get the flu vaccine and wash their hands frequently to decrease the risk of getting the flu when travelling. 

About Influenza

Influenza (or flu) is a common respiratory illness that affects thousands of Canadians each year. 

Symptoms

• Can take around one to four days to appear
• Usually include headache, chills and cough followed by fever, loss of appetite, muscle aches and fatigue, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and throat irritation.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may occur, especially in children.
• In more severe cases, such as people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

Transmission

• Influenza is spread through droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by someone who is already infected.
• The flu virus is also found on the hands of people with the flu and on surfaces they have touched.
• Crowded conditions may increase the risk of infection.  Attending events with large gatherings such as the Hajj, travelling on cruise ships or joining large commercial tours may increase your chance of getting the flu.

Where is Influenza a concern?

• Influenza occurs worldwide.
  • In the northern hemisphere the flu season usually runs from November to April. There may still be occasional cases or outbreaks at any time of the year. 
  • In the southern hemisphere the flu season is between April and October.  
  • In the tropics influenza is a concern year round.

Recommendations for Travellers

1. Get vaccinated
   • This is the most effective way to protect yourself from the flu.
2. Wash your hands often 
   • By washing your hands with soap under warm running water, you will reduce your chance of getting the flu.
   • Alcohol-based hand gel can also be used if soap and water are not readily available. It’s a good idea to keep some with you in your pocket or purse when you travel.
3. Monitor your health
   • If you develop flu-like symptoms when you return to Canada, you should see a health care provider.
   • Tell the health care provider who sees you that you have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

Don't Forget...

1. Consult a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel.
2. What to do if you get sick when you are travelling.
3. What to do if you get sick after you return to Canada.
4. Know what vaccines you need and when to get them.

Other Related Information

• Disease Information Backgrounder on Influenza (Flu) from the Public Health Agency of Canada

• Public Health Agency of Canada – Information on Influenza

• Information on Influenza from Health Canada, It's Your Health, Influenza (the "flu")

• The National Advisory Committee on Immunization's Statement on Influenza Vaccination for the 2008-2009 Season

• Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel (CATMAT), Statement on Travel, Influenza, and Prevention

• World Health Organization – Information on Influenza