Keep Health Up

If you are planning to travel abroad next month HPA (the Health Protection Agency recommends keeping some swine flu precautions because 42 countries have now reported confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, the number of cases of swine flu around the world to more than 11,100. and there have been 86 deaths. The number of cases in England rose by five to 117, but there have still been no confirmed cases in Wales, although 10 people who have travelled to the US and Mexico are still being investigated.

First of all travelers should ensure they have access to adequate healthcare and health insurance. UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s advice states: “Travelers to an area of the world affected by swine flu should ensure they have access to adequate healthcare and insurance before traveling.

“They should be aware of the flu-like symptoms associated with swine flu and consult a doctor immediately if they exhibit these symptoms.” That’s important. The swine flu information line can be contacted on 00 44 207 928 1010 from abroad.

They also recommend to all of travellers to have maintained basic hygiene in their cases, which includes frequent hand washing and covering your nose and mouth while sneezing.

“Generally the disease seems to be mild so, therefore, travel restrictions would not be sensible” Dr John Watkins, a public health consultant at the National Public Health Service for Wales, said.

“If you are fit enough to travel then you will probably be reasonably OK, but sensible precautions apply no matter where you travel in the world.”