Travel Information H1N1
H1N1 Precautions and Planning
In the next few weeks, students and faculty will begin planning University sponsored winter and spring break trips, including course related travel and extra-curricular travel, domestic and international. It is very important for sponsoring offices or departments to be mindful of H1N1 precautions and to include this information in pre-departure sessions and ongoing communication with travelers. Specifically, travelers and trip leaders should be informed:
1) Do not travel if ill or experiencing symptoms of flu-like illness
2) Be sure to receive a seasonal flu shot
3) If flying, consider purchasing refundable tickets in the event:
- A traveler is sick and unable to leave with the group
- A traveler is quarantined or becomes ill while on the trip
4) Make arrangements for support in the event of being quarantined (housing, food, communication , $ and support (who will stay with an ill student?)
5) Have contact information up to date and contact travel@princeton.edu should a traveler become ill while away from campus
6) All travel must be registered on the travel database and acknowledged by the sponsoring office
7) Travelers should be familiar with the information on the travel website: http://www.princeton.edu/travel
In addition, travelers are encouraged to practice good hygiene habits including:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and properly dispose of the tissue.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
Travel Planning
Planning for international travelers at high risk for complications
H1N1 has spread throughout the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of flu (e.g. those with chronic asthma, diabetes or other chronic diseases, those who are immunocompromised, and pregnant women) discuss their travel plans with their doctor. University travelers who are traveling abroad and are at high risk should contact their health care provider and discuss their travel plans, particularly if travel includes destinations with a high incidence of the H1N1 flu.
Travelers on University business or on University sponsored trips who may be considered as high risk may contact University Health Services to request a prescription for the antiviral flu medicine Tamiflu. A health services practitioner will evaluate requests on an individual basis based on the person's high risk factors. To request a prescription, e-mail UHS@princeton.edu with your name, destination, dates of travel and indication of high risk. Please contact UHS well in advance of travel to ensure time for the prescription to be mailed. Individuals would be responsible for filling prescriptions themselves at a pharmacy.
Group travel to countries other than Western Europe, US and Canada, group leaders should make a group travel appointment with Helen Ackley, University Health Services, Travel Medicine. hackley@princeton.edu
Planning should you become ill while traveling abroad
Should you experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or vomiting, contact International SOS for a referral to a local health care provider. For those traveling with a group, notify your group leader or program sponsor. For medical assistance, contact International SOS. After seeking medical assistance, please e-mail travel@princeton.edu . For more information, visit the International SOS website at http://www.internationalsos.com. Princeton’s SOS membership number is 11BSGC000022.
Travelers should be prepared to be quarantined in some countries even if they do not exhibit symptoms, but have been within a certain proximity of others affected by H1N1. In the event of quarantine, travelers should make use of the Internet and/or a cell phone for communication, have sufficient funds available and identify reliable sources for lodging, health care and basic daily needs.
If you are traveling in the United States, contact the local hospital or your family physician.
Before returning to campus, a traveler who has been affected by H1N1 or has flu-like symptoms should contact travel@princeton.edu
More information about the spread of H1N1 throughout the world is available on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/outbreak-notice/novel-h1n1-flu-global-situation.aspx.
International SOS telephone numbers
If calling from the US , Mexico , Central or South America :Philadelphia , PA 24 hours: 1-215-942-8226 (call collect where available) Toll free from the US: 1-800-523-6586 Toll free from Canada: 1-800-441-4767
If calling from Europe, Russia, Africa or the Middle East : London, England 24 hours: 44-20-8762-8008 (call collect where available)
If calling from Asia, Australia or the Pacific Rim : Singapore 24 hours: 65-6338-7800 (call collect where available)