Studying Abroad During Flu Season

Planning to study abroad soon? With so many pre-trip topics to tackle, something as common as flu might not even cross your mind. This year, protecting yourself and others from flu is more important than ever. Wherever you are studying, here are some tips for staying healthy during flu season.

In honor of International Education Week 2009, CDC is promoting healthy travel for students studying abroad. Whether you are already abroad or plan to go soon, take some time to consider how seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu might affect your trip.

Why should I be concerned about flu during my study abroad program?

Regardless of whether they are in the United States or in another country, campus environments of most colleges or universities bring many people together in the same place. Students, faculty, and staff of any college or university can get sick with flu and easily spread it to others on campus, as well as in the larger community.

Age can also be a factor. So far, the largest number of 2009 H1N1 flu cases have been confirmed among people younger than 25 years old. This age group is also at risk of getting seasonal flu.

Here is the good news: seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu are not reasons to cancel your study-abroad plans! We've come up with some simple steps you can follow to help make sure you stay healthy and get the most from your study-abroad experience!

Before you go, remember to:

See a doctor.

For international travel, CDC recommends that you make an appointment to see a doctor familiar with travel medicine at least 4–6 weeks before you leave. The doctor will review your medical history and your study-abroad program to make sure you receive the right vaccinations, medicines, and information to stay healthy and safe.

Get your flu vaccine.

• Vaccines are the most important tool we have for preventing the flu. You can lower your chances of getting seasonal flu by getting a seasonal flu vaccine.
• Consider getting the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu if it is available. If you are younger than 25 years of age, you are in a recommended initial target group to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. For more information, see Key Facts About 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine.

Travel only when you feel well.

If you become ill, stay at home or in your place of lodging if you are already abroad, until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical care immediately. To learn more, see What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu.

If you are already outside the United States and need help finding medical care, Consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad and in the U.S. are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens. To contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the country where you are visiting:

• Dial: 1-888-407-4747 if calling from the U.S. or Canada,
• Dial: 00 1 202-501-4444 if calling from overseas, or
• Find your local U.S. Embassy at Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions.

Follow basic health tips while you are traveling abroad.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

More Information

• For more general health information on how to prepare for your study-abroad program, check out the Travel Health Tips for Students Studying Abroad webpage.  
• For other ways to stay healthy while traveling, see the CDC Travelers' Health website.