Swine flu travel advice

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Could your summer holidays be affected by swine flu this year?

The government is advising that you don't travel if you have swine flu. You should delay your travelling until all your symptoms have gone - when you are no longer contagious.

But other than this, your holiday shouldn't be affected. Swine flu is now all over the world, but most people are still catching it in their local communities - not when they go abroad. This means that most holidays are still fine.

The following advice can help to stop swine flu from spoiling your holidays:

Before you go

Make sure you know where you can get medical help while you're on holiday, in case someone in your family does start showing symptoms of swine flu.
Take alcohol-based waterless hand gels with you to help prevent the spread of germs. You could also take over-the-counter medicines for coughs and sneezes
If you're travelling to Europe, make sure you have an EHIC (European Health Insurance card). This will mean you can get medical treatment abroad. You can get the forms for these at the Post Office, call 0845 606 2030 or apply online
Check the Foreign Office website to see if they have swine flu where you're going and what the specific travel advice is for that country. You can also call their 24-hour advice line on 0845 850 2829.
Your health insurance should cover swine flu - but it's worth double checking. It needs to have cancellation cover and not have a pandemic exclusion clause. Call your company if you're not sure.
Talk to a health professional such as your GP if you have a specific concern, for example if you're pregnant.

While you're there

Avoid close contact with people who have flu-like symptoms
Practise good hygiene - wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose to prevent the spread of germs. You can also use an alcohol-based waterless hand wash.
If you are coughing or sneezing, make sure you catch your germs in a tissue, throw it away and then wash your hands as soon as possible. This will help to prevent you spreading the germs to others. More information on how to stop the spread of germs and infections
If you get flu symptoms while you're abroad, contact a health professional. You can call the swine flu information line while you're abroad on 00 44 207 928 1010. If you become ill while on a flight, alert the cabin crew. More information on the symptoms of swine flu

When you get back

If you've been somewhere that is affected by swine flu, monitor your health for 7 days and contact a health professional, such as your GP, if you get flu-like symptoms. There is no need to isolate yourself from other people if you feel well.

- Has swine flu affected your holiday? Tell us all about it and your story could appear on goodtoknow