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EmailOptions During a Pandemic
A strain of influenza, 2009-H1N1, is spreading rapidly throughout human populations in many parts of the world and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, most individuals infected with 2009-H1N1 influenza fully recover, and the WHO considers the overall severity of the 2009-H1N1 pandemic to be only moderate.
The U.S. Government and international health agencies are providing information to Americans living, working or traveling overseas on how to prepare for a severe pandemic, should one strike.
Health professionals are concerned that the spread of influenza viruses has the potential to significantly threaten human health. If the current 2009-H1N1 changes significantly or a highly pathogenic influenza virus such as the H5N1 avian influenza subtype mutates and begins to spread easily from person-to-person, a worse influenza could break out globally and lead to a severe pandemic and many deaths. To date, there have been no reports of sustained human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 virus.
Private American citizens should be aware that it may not be possible to travel internationally during a severe pandemic. Governments may close borders suddenly and without advance warning; commercial air, land and sea carriers could curtail or cancel service; and restricting travel may be the best way to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus. These developments could impede a return to the United States or travel to another country or region. Therefore, Americans who are overseas during a pandemic may need to remain where they are until conditions improve, a situation which could last several months.
Private American Citizens Residing Abroad or Working Overseas Long-Term: Consider local conditions and evaluate your ability to maintain adequate supplies of food, water, and medication should a severe pandemic result in borders closing or disruptions in international travel. Decide on your optimal location in a pandemic and plan accordingly. Ask your doctor in advance about obtaining appropriate medication for treatment if you become ill, keeping in mind it could take many months to develop and produce sufficient quantities of a vaccine during a pandemic. Remember that U.S. Embassies, Consulates and military facilities lack the legal authority, capability, and resources to dispense vaccines, medications or medical care to private American citizens. If you are a private American citizen (e.g. living, working, touring, studying abroad) you will need to rely on local healthcare providers and locally-available medications, since U.S. Government facilities will not be able to provide medications or medical treatment.
Short-Term Visitors, Tourists, and Students Abroad: Consult with your doctor before you travel and ask about medications you should take with you. Research the availability and quality of medical facilities at your destination and consider purchasing medical evacuation insurance. Be aware that hotels may cease to provide housekeeping and meal services during a severe pandemic. Consider changing your travel plans or returning to the U.S. once there is evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of a more severe form of influenza in one part of the world, since commercial air transportation may become unavailable at an early point.
Plan to Remain in Country: In the event of a severe, global pandemic, Americans who are overseas should be prepared to remain abroad for an extended period. You should avoid non-essential travel beyond your dwelling and workplace and you should limit activities that could expose you to others who may be ill. Based on varying conditions abroad, Americans should prepare contingency plans and emergency supplies (non-perishable food, potable water or water-purification supplies, medications, etc.) for the possibility of remaining in country for at least two and up to twelve weeks. Visit the U.S. Government’s federal influenza website to see examples of comprehensive planning checklists for individuals, businesses, schools, and other groups.
What Can You Do to Stay Healthy? You should wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to eradicate viruses and bacteria. When soap and water are not available, apply a hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60 percent alcohol content. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Get vaccinated against seasonal flu. Ask your employer, organization or school about pandemic contingency plans. Please review detailed community mitigation guidelines, as well as information on the use of masks and anti-viral medications in a pandemic, also available on the federal influenza website.
What About During a Severe Pandemic? During the current moderate pandemic and especially if a severe pandemic begins, people should practice social distancing measures such as teleworking, limiting face-to-face meetings, avoiding crowds, and maintaining a distance of six (6) feet or more from other people. Healthy employees should consult with their employers about whether to report to work during a pandemic, taking into account local conditions and the risk of infection. Sick people, or those who reside with a sick person, should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action, which could include home treatment.
Keep Yourself Informed: American citizens in countries with human or animal cases of a highly pathogenic Type A influenza, such as H5N1, should consider the potential risks and plan accordingly. Keep current with the latest medical guidance and practical information for travelers by visiting the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health website and the WHO’s international travel website. You may also visit the Department of State’s travel information website for up-to-date assessments of conditions in specific countries, and to obtain additional information on pandemic influenza.
