The European flu season continues and activity is still reported to be widespread. For the week ending Feb 19, testing positivity at rates above 40 percent in sentinel primary care were registered by Armenia, Denmark, France, Hungary,Netherlands, Romania and Slovenia. In the Southern Pacific, surges in flu-like illnesses have been reported in Tonga (influenza B predominates) and Wallis and Futuna (influenza A). Lastly, the recommended compositions of the vaccines for the 2023-2024 northern hemisphere influenza season have been published by the WHO. The major difference over the 2023 southern hemisphere season’s vaccines is a change in the H1N1 component for both egg-based and cell culture- or recombinant-based vaccines. Read more
Advice for travellers
In most years, seasonal flu is the most common vaccine-preventable travel-related illness: it’s likely to be found aboard aircraft, in crowded airport terminals, and at your destination. Vaccination is highly recommended and travellers should also avoid close contact with people showing flu-like symptoms, and thoroughly washing hands using soap and water after using the toilet and before eating. Alcohol wipes are a convenient alternative if soap and water is not available. Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.