Travellers and the H1N1 Flu Virus

Airplanes, trains, cruise ships and buses mean close and crowded quarters and are ideal places for germs to spread. The Public Health Agency of Canada encourages Canadians to take steps to keep themselves healthy and to be aware of what they should do if they get sick while travelling.

Protect Yourself and Those Around You

You can play an active role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu virus and other illnesses.

Get the H1N1 flu vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep your hands away from your face.
Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
Keep common surface areas clean and disinfected.
Stay healthy by eating healthy foods and keeping active.
If you get sick, stay home.

Before You Travel

Talk to your health care provider about the following:

• Getting the vaccines you need for your destination.
• Getting the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu vaccine before you travel.
• Getting the medications you may want or need to bring with you if you are at risk of severe illness if you do catch the flu.

What to Do if You get Sick While Travelling

If you get sick with the flu when you are travelling, here is what you need to consider:

• If you are sick before you leave Canada or while abroad you should consider delaying your travel.
• Stay in your accommodations or hotel (while travelling) or at home (if back in Canada) and avoid contact with others until you are feeling better.
• If you are sick and must go out, consider wearing a mask if one is available. This will reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.
• If you develop flu symptoms while travelling, contact a health care provider.
• If you are travelling in, or if you are returning from a country where malaria is present and you develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
• If your symptoms worsen, before seeking medical attention, it is recommended that you call ahead to your health care provider or urgent care facility to inform them of your symptoms and your recent travel history.
• Remember that access to adequate medical care abroad may be limited. Major hotels have in-house doctors and/or they can arrange appointments with local physicians. If you need urgent care, the best option is often the nearest hospital.
• If you are travelling internationally, a list of physicians can be obtained through the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Consult the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for more information.
• Be aware of the possibility, in certain countries, of isolation and quarantine if you become sick with the flu. 

International Travellers: Proof of Vaccination and H1N1 Flu Screening

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadians get vaccinated with the H1N1 flu vaccine before leaving Canada. Travellers should contact the embassy or consulate of their destination country in Canada in order to confirm whether or not proof of H1N1 vaccination is required for entry.

Some countries have implemented screening measures at airports for flu symptoms and may impose quarantine measures for travellers with flu symptoms.

Please consult the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade for further information on whether the country you are travelling to/from has established screening measures or is requiring proof of vaccination.

More Information

For additional information about the H1N1 flu virus, including a full list of symptoms and information about the H1N1 flu vaccine, please visit fightflu.ca, call 1 800 O-Canada, TTY 1-800-926-9105 or contact your health care provider.