Because of the relatively high number of swine flu cases here, Australians may be subjected to screening and possible quarantine if they exhibit any symptoms of the disease. A period in quarantine is also likely if a passenger on their flight or vessel is found to have symptoms of swine flu. Australian Consular officials can provide only very limited assistance to quarantined Australians, and cannot influence the period of quarantine, nor the conditions under which they are accommodated.
“Aussies should adopt a ‘know before you go’ policy regarding screening and quarantine,” Travelvax Australia’s medical director, Dr Eddy Bajrovic said.
“Our stance is that only those at high risk of serious complications of swine flu should forego travel. However, no-one wants to see a foreign country from the room of a hospital or hotel, so I would reiterate our previous advice that anyone with flu-like symptoms just prior to departure should rethink their travel plans.
“At the very least they should be aware of what screening and quarantine measures may be in place on arrival.”Dr Bajrovic said it’s important that travellers have adequate travel insurance in place so that they are not out of pocket if their trip is disrupted or they are forced to make last-minute changes to their travel plans.
Australians at high risk for complications of influenza – children under five, people over 65, pregnant women, those who are immunosuppressed or have chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions – who are considering travel to areas affected by swine flu should discuss their travel plans with their doctor and look closely at the risk of infection at their destination, as well as the level of health care available to them.
Travelvax Australia has prepared special Pandemic kits designed for overseas travel to high-risk regions of H1N1 transmission. The kit contains two pairs of latex gloves, antiseptic towelettes, three N95 face masks and Australian Health Department contact details.
More information on swine flu is available from Travelvax Australia’s travel health advisory line (1300 360 164), from DFAT’s Smartraveller, and the CDC website.