Health Tips
Important Travel Advice - H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) continues to monitor the Human Swine Influenza situation globally and, on 11 June 2009, raised its pandemic alert level to the highest Global Phase 6. According to the WHO, the overwhelming majority of people who contract the virus experience mild symptoms and make a rapid and full recovery, often in the absence of any form of medical treatment.
On 17 June 2009, the Australian Government downgraded the Australian response phase from contain to protect, a level defined as a 'measured, reasonable and proportionate health response to the risk the virus presents' that recognises the disease is mild in most cases, severe in only some and moderate overall, with the majority of cases making a full recovery.
Qantas observes all requirements mandated by the Australian Government and international authorities regarding the virus and continues to monitor the situation closely.
The WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures.
For further information:
If you're travelling overseas for business or pleasure think about your health before you leave Australia. Immunisations are available for many diseases, including Hepatitis A and B. At least six weeks before you travel, it would be advisable to talk to your local doctor or travel health clinic about any immunisations required for your trip.
Start to plan early and consider:
- Travel insurance. A travel insurance product is available online, or ask your travel agent for other options.
- Discuss immunisation, malaria and other health issues with a doctor or travel health service.
- Carry a basic medical kit. Most items are available from your local chemist, be sure to check what items you can and can't take onboard the plane and into foreign countries.
- Carry a supply of your regular medication. If you are taking prescription medicine you should carry a copy of your doctor's prescription and keep all medication in your carry on baggage.
Basic travel safety tips
- Avoid undercooked meat and seafood, raw vegetables and salads.
- Boil or purify drinking water if in doubt.
- Ensure cooked food is served steaming hot.
- Cover exposed skin, sleep under permethrinimimpregnated mosquito nets and use insect repellent especially in known malaria areas. Daytime mosquito protection is needed in areas of risk for dengue fever.
- Practice safe sex.
- Wear seatbelts.
- Be aware that mammals can transmit rabies. If bitten, seek immediate medical advice.
- Avoid swimming or wading in fresh water rivers and lakes where bilharzia (schistosomiasis) infection can occur.
Use our Visa and Health service to obtain information on visa and health requirements for the destinations of your next trip.
