Ministry of Health -- Shaping Fiji's Health

Travel Health Notice -- H1N1

(LEVEL 2 ALERT)

This travel health notice is being provided by the Ministry of Health, Fiji in response to the recent outbreak of HINI flu virus. This release has been developed to protect the health of travelers outbound from Fiji and Fiji citizens traveling to neighboring countries where the prevalence is higher. This travel health notice is based on current available scientific evidence about this emerging disease, and is subject to review and change as new information becomes available.

H1N1 Flu Virus – Travel Outside of Fiji -- Travel Health Notice

The Ministry of Health, Fiji with the World Health Organization, continues to monitor the spread of cases of H1N1 flu virus in countries around the world. This is a strain of flu virus that has never been identified in humans before. Two cases have been diagnosed in Fiji.

Individuals who are ill with respiratory illness either before leaving Fiji or while abroad should delay travel to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus.

About the H1N1 Flu Virus (Human Swine Flu)

H1N1 flu virus is caused by a new strain of the influenza A H1N1 virus.
It is a new flu virus of swine origin that has never been previously detected in either human or swine.
This new virus is being detected among humans and is currently being spread from person-to-person.

Symptoms

Usually includes symptoms similar to seasonal influenza (flu) including headache, chills, 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 in adults as well as in children.
In more severe cases, or in people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia may develop.

Recommendations for travelers.

1. Wash your hands frequently.
	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.
2. Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette
	Cover your mouth and/or nose to reduce the spread of germs. Remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Try to avoid close contact with people who appear to have a respiratory illness.
4. Pay attention to local government and public health announcements movement restrictions and prevention recommendations.
5. If you are at risk of severe illness from influenza (for example, persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, elderly or children under 2 years of age), see your health care provider before you travel.
6. If you are ill with respiratory illness either before you leave Fiji or while abroad, you should delay your travel.
7. Travelers returning to Fiji from countries where the H1N1 virus is occurring and who develop symptoms of H1N1 flu virus, especially high fever, are advised to follow recommendations in the Monitor Your Health section.

Monitor Your Health
While traveling or back in Fiji
1. If you develop symptoms of flu:

	Stay in your accommodations or hotel (While traveling) or at home (if back in Fiji) and avoid contact with others until 7 days have passed since your symptoms started.
	Wash your hands frequently.
	Cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hand.
	If you are sick and must go out, a facemask should be worn if available to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.
	It is also important to remember that access to adequate medical care abroad may be limited.
	If further travel is necessary, travelers are reminded that they should not travel while ill and of the possibility, in certain countries, of isolation and quarantine.
	A list of physicians can be obtained through the nearest Fiji Embassy or Consulate.

2. Should 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.

Taskforce- Ministry of Health, Suva.