Flu infections during in late January were reported as widespread with activity described as very high in Slovenia and high in Luxembourg, Bulgaria and Turkey. Influenza A strains were dominant with the exceptions of Georgia and Romania, while both A and B strains prevailed in Russia, Luxembourg, Kosovo and Albania. Read more. In the USA, much of the country was reporting high levels of influenza-like illness. The CDC advised that for the week ending Jan 25, B strains were more common in people aged 24 years and under, while influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominated in adults aged over 25 years.
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-based hand sanitiser is 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.