Swine Flu update

Swine Flu update - 8 January 2010

At the present time we are monitoring the situation both in the media and also through Foreign and Commonwealth Office, World Health Organisation (WHO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre and National Health Service.

Although WHO has declared it a pandemic based on the numbers of infected people globally and not the severity of the cases, they have not changed the travel restrictions to or via any country. Today, global travel is commonplace and large numbers of people move around the world for business and leisure. 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.

• The vaccination programme in the UK is fully underway for 'at risk' groups. Please see your GP for further information if you are in these groups
• Spring 2010 expeditions are going ahead with no report problems so far
• If you are ill with a respiratory illness or flu-like symptoms you should not attend any UK assessment or training events. Go to the NHS Direct link below for more guidance on the signs and symptoms. If you are due to go on an expedition, please call our medical co-ordinator to discuss your situation
• Our medical teams in each country will be following the current NHS guidance on dealing with those presenting flu like symptoms wherever practicable
• Country staff have planned for and will deal with any isolated cases or outbreaks locally following local health service guidance if the threat increases from or to the local population
• Anyone on expedition is covered by our medical insurance regardless of what and how they get ill
• If a decision is made to alter our planned operations then we will communicate this immediately to all interested parties

Please check out the World Health Organisation, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, NHS Direct flu advice line and the National Travel Health Network and Centre for current travel advice and information

If you have any questions please call the Operations team on 020 7183 1274