Due to the spread of Swine Flu / H1N1 across the globe, governments have stepped up and offered recommendations regarding travel to Mexico, as well as offering safety measures that travelers may want to implement before embarking on their trip. Governments are now recommending that people should avoid, unless necessary, traveling to Mexico. However, it still remains a personal health decision.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has noted that healthy people can make their usual travel plans to Mexico, but take the necessary precautions to stay healthy when traveling. When considering traveling to Mexico, one should talk to their physician about what precautions should be taken before traveling, such as immunization. People should also learn about any instances of swine flu in the area they are planning to travel and what to do if they develop symptoms. Find out about available health care options at the destination. If you are a high risk of complications due to the virus, you should consider postponing travel to Mexico. People should also learn where the hospitals and local doctors are located before traveling. It is critical to have the appropriate health insurance that will provide coverage in the event that you fall ill while in Mexico. If necessary, you should purchase additional insurance. It is very important that people refrain from traveling when they are ill. Avoid travel for at least 24 hours after fever or fever like symptoms have disappeared.
Most cases of swine flu in Mexico have been reported in Mexico City, but the virus has also been detected in the states of Mexicali, Oaxaca, Baja California, and San Luis Potosi. The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid kissing people as a greeting, shaking hands, big crowds, or taking the subway. Their recommendations also suggest that keeping a distance of at least six feet from other people and frequent hand washing may reduce the threat of exposure.
Many flights are changing their flight schedules to certain places in Mexico. For most airlines, travelers may rebook their Mexico City flights without incurring change fees within a specific time period from when the flight was booked. It is important to check with the specific airline about when these time periods expired. For instance, WestJet and WestJet Vacations are working to repatriate travelers in Mexico and putting aside flight changes and cancellation fees for people with early bookings, permitting them to return to Mexico once regular flight service begins again. Air Canada will continue its flights to Mexico City, but will suspend services to Cozumel, Cancun, and Puerto Vallarta, until June 1.
Travelers to an area of Mexico affected by swine flu should ensure they have access to sufficient healthcare and insurance before traveling. They should be aware of the flu like symptoms associated with swine flu and see a doctor immediately if they show these symptoms. If during the seven days after you return from Mexico you develop a fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches, contact your physician or go to the hospital and tell them where you traveled. When planning to travel to Mexico, check for any swine flu travel updates on your Government’s website.
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