The WHO currently does not recommend any travel restrictions, however today (April 29, 2009), the Australian government advised “Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Mexico due to the out break of a severe strain of swine influenza. Australians who are in Mexico and concerned for their health should consider leaving.”

They further advise that vaccination against flu at least 2 weeks prior to departure is recommended for travellers going overseas. The degree of cross protection against the swine flu is currently unknown.

The WHO has a comprehensive ‘frequently asked questions’ section at:
http://www.who.int/csr/swine_flu/swine_flu_faq.pdf where they suggest the following prevention measures:

· Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough
· Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly
· Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food and keeping physically active

If you feel unwell, have a high fever, cough, muscle pains, sore throat or other flu-like symptoms and, possibly, diarrhoea and vomiting, the WHO recommends the following:

· Stay at home and keep away from work, school, and crowds as much as possible
· Rest and take plenty of fluids
· Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and  dispose of tissues properly
· Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing and sneezing
· Inform family and friends about your illness

If you need medical attention:

· Contact your doctor or healthcare provider before travelling to see them and report symptoms. Follow the advice given to you for care.
· If this is not possible communicate your suspicion of having swine influenza immediately upon arrival.

Useful websites:
CDC and WHO have developed excellent websites
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html