The two countries highlighted in the latest WHO global influenza surveillance report due to increased (or increasing) flu notifications were Myanmar and Madagascar (however in ‘Eastern Africa, influenza detections continued to be reported across reporting countries’). Positive results on tests carried out by WHO GISRS laboratories for a 2-week period from the end of July revealed almost two-thirds of samples were influenza A - >60 percent were A(H3N2) and of the influenza B detections, >92 percent were B-Victoria lineage.
Advice for travellers
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.
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.