Influenza is transmitted via the respiratory route and you should exercise sensible precautions:
- Follow public health guidance at your destination.
- Avoid crowding or mass gatherings.
- Where possible avoid close contact with persons who are ill with an flu-like illness.
- Wash hands with soap and water; use waterless alcohol-based hand gels when soap and water is not available.
- Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes, to prevent the spread of germs.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of the tissue promptly.
- Keep hard surfaces (e.g. door handles, countertops) clean using a normal cleaning solution.
- Ensure that children follow similar advice.
- Swine flu has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products.
- There is little evidence of the effectiveness of wearing masks, However, properly fitted special grade masks can be worn in situations such as healthcare settings.
- If you fall ill while abroad (especially with flu-like symptoms) you should seek medical assistance. Where possible the British Embassy/High Commission/Consulate should be able to provide British nationals with details of English-speaking doctors and information on the local availability of anti-virals.
