Traveling? Not with Flu!

Whether traveling to warmer weather or a snow-filled adventure, make sure the flu is not your travel companion. Get your flu vaccine before you go.

Here are some useful tips for staying healthy during the winter months.

Before Your Trip

• Get vaccinated.

• Prepare a travel health kit. 

• Travel only when you feel well.

During Your Trip

• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue. No tissue? Then cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

Traveling outside the United States?

• Get health information for your destination.

• Before you travel, see a doctor to get any vaccines, medicines, and information you need to stay healthy.

• Talk to your doctor if you are at high risk for flu complications. Depending on your situation, your doctor may advise you to take antiviral medications with you when you travel, especially if appropriate medical care is not available at your destination.

• Know what to do if you become sick or injured on your trip.

• Visiting an area where there is a risk of malaria? If so, then seek medical care right away if you have a fever. The first symptoms of malaria usually include fever and chills, similar to the symptoms of flu. However, if malaria is left untreated, the disease can quickly become serious and even life threatening.