H1n1: Where It’s Located and How to Travel

The wide spreading nature of this strain of the influenza virus, H1N1, poses a challenge for those who track it. Currently found in nearly every state, the fast moving nature of this particular strain of the influenza virus, has outdone its milder cousin, the seasonal flu virus. Currently at a report rate of 46 states having outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, the spread of the 2009 H1N1 virus has proved exceptional as compared to previous years.

This season, almost all reported cases have been recognized as this year’s (2009) strain of the H1N1 virus. However, it should be noted and made clear that these strains are highly vulnerable to the use of the antiviral drugs, oseltamavir as well as zanamavir.

While the recovery rate for the general illness contracted from the H1N1Virus is predominant, some, those who suffer from medical problems prior to contracting the virus stand at a greater risk. If you suffer from any medical condition where your immune system may be in a weakened condition, please be careful when traveling to the below regions:

• Region 1:(Maine, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont)
• Region 2: (New Jersey and New York)
• Region 3: (Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Delaware, D.C., W.Virginia)
• Region 4: (South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida as well as Georgia)
•  Region 5: ( Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio)
• Region 6 : (Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico)
• Region 7 : ( Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Missouri )
• Region 8: ( Wyoming, Montana, Utah, North Dakota and South Dakota, and Colorado)
•  Region 9: (California, Hawaii, Nevada and Arizona)
•  Region 10: ( Alaska, Oregon, Indiana and Washington)

If you are traveling to any of these areas within the United States or if you will be planning a trip to a foreign country, the CDC advises that travelers educate themselves as to the specific preventative measures to take before your trip. Some of these include:

• Not traveling if you feel ill or if you are with or will be with someone who is ill.
• If you are in a weakened state due to other medical conditions such as pregnancy, infection or disease. 
• If you are elderly, under the age of five (under the age of 2 presents a higher risk)
• Check updates at the CDC website under “Current Situations”.
•  Take a small medical kit with you with small supplies. 
•   Keep tissues with you at all times. Use and change them accordingly.    
•  Observe the possible medical screening needs some countries may require prior to entry by checking for travel restriction updates at the United States State Department web site.

Source: cdc.gov