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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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October 8, 1999
Contact: CDC, Division of Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
Flu Season 1999-2000
Information for Travelers
- The risk for exposure to influenza during travel to foreign countries
varies, depending on season and destination. In the Tropics, flu can occur
throughout the year; in the Southern Hemisphere, most activity occurs from
April through September. In temperate climate zones of the Northern and
Southern Hemispheres, travelers also can be exposed to influenza viruses
during the summer, especially when traveling as part of large organized
tourist groups with persons from areas of the world where influenza
viruses are circulating.
- Because of the short incubation period for flu, exposure to the virus
during travel can result in illness that begins while traveling, which is
an inconvenience and potential danger, especially for persons at increased
risk for complications. Persons in high-risk groups especially should
receive the most current vaccine. Persons at high risk who received the
previous season's vaccine, before travel, should be re-vaccinated in the
fall or winter with the current vaccine.
- Because flu vaccine may not be available during the summer in North
America, persons 65 years and older and others at high risk should consult
with their physicians before embarking on travel during the summer. It may
be advisable for such persons to carry antiviral medications to either
prevent or treat the flu.
- If you develop symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough, sore
throat or fever, while you are traveling, you should contact your tour
director, hotel staff, guide, or physician. As with any illness, if you
feel that you are having difficulty breathing, you should consult a
physician or seek urgent medical attention. Travel personnel or hotel
staff are likely to have information on local medical facilities should
you require them.
- If a physician diagnoses you with flu and it has been less than 48
hours since the onset of symptoms, the antiviral medications rimantadine
or amantadine and zanamivir may help to lessen your symptoms. Amantadine
and rimantadine are chemically related drugs that can limit the severity
and duration of symptoms from influenza type A viruses. They are not
effective against influenza type B or other viral respiratory pathogens.
Zanamivir, another antiviral drug, can decrease symptoms from influenza
type A and B infections. These medications must be prescribed by a
physician, who should review your medical history.
- The travel industry is working closely with public health authorities.
Some cruise lines have initiated surveillance for respiratory illness
among both passengers and crew members and have vaccinated their crews
against influenza.
Flu Season 1999-2000: See also...
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