Primary navigation:
Secondary navigation:
Influenza A (H1N1) Update
Latest News
For the most up-to-date information, check the following:
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
Texas Department of State Health Services
Hotlines
General Public: (888) 777-5320
Medical Providers: (877) 623-6274
Experts: Cause for Concern, Not Panic
- The World Health Organization has stated clearly that no travel restrictions are in place.
- According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Swine Influenza (swine flu) should not discourage people from traveling to or within the United States.
- Travelers, like all citizens, should heed the advice of experts when determining how best to manage health concerns.
- According to the CDC, individuals should take common sense steps to protect themselves, including: "wash your hands...get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food."
Advice: Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Stay at home if you are sick and to keep your children at home if they are ill
- Keep your hands clean with consistent and good hand washing with warm water and soap or a sanitizing gel
- Cover your sneeze or cough by using a tissue or the inside of your elbow or sleeve
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should follow the same course of action they would with seasonal flu. If the symptoms are mild, stay home, get rest, and use the recommended over-the-counter medications a person normally would use to treat flu-like symptoms. If the symptoms become more severe, contact your healthcare professional to receive instructions on how to proceed.
Safe Travel: No Rationale for Travel Restrictions
1 May 2009 -- The World Health Organization is not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Today, international travel moves rapidly, with large numbers of individuals visiting various parts the world. Limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community.
Influenza A (H1N1) has already been confirmed in many parts of the world. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus through the rapid identification of cases and providing patients with appropriate medical care, rather than on stopping its spread internationally. Furthermore, although identifying the signs and symptoms of influenza in travellers can be an effective monitoring technique, it is not effective in reducing the spread of influenza as the virus can be transmitted from person to person before the onset of symptoms. Scientific research based on mathematical modelling indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, have validated this point.
Footer navigation:
- Sleep
- Eat
- Shop
- Play
- Plan
- Save
- Explore
- Languages
- LGBT
- Relocate
- Film
- Media
- Meeting Professionals
- Tourism Professionals
Copyright (c) 2011 by City of San Antonio. Any party wishing to reproduce content displayed on this website must obtain the express written permission of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau. Phone: (800) 447-3372
