The recent H1N1 Virus (or the swine flu) has caused several countries throughout the world to discourage travel to Mexico and the United States; however, please be aware that the U.S. Travel Association is working with federal agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Homeland Security to ensure the safety and health of travelers to both the United States and Ohio. The Division wants you to know that while it’s important not to minimize the seriousness of the H1N1 Virus, it is critical for our industry to be prepared – not panicked.
Below are talking points issued by the U.S. Travel Association to keep all of us in the tourism industry updated on the status of this strain of flu.
• The U.S. Travel Association has contacted all relevant agencies with an offer to help in any way needed. These agencies include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention; the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security; and the Department of Transportation.
• According to the CDC, the H1N1 Virus should NOT discourage people from traveling to or within the United States. To guard themselves against the H1N1 Virus and keep their immune systems high, individuals should take common-sense steps like washing their hands, getting a sufficient amount of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy foods. Make sure to also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• According to the CDC, as of today there are 896 confirmed cases of H1N1 Virus in the U.S. To put this in perspective, that means that approximately one out of every 339,285 people has been confirmed with the H1N1 Virus. People have a better chance of becoming a professional athlete at 1 in 22,000 or winning an Academy Award at 1 in 11,500.
• Governments and opinion leaders around the world must strike a delicate balance of accurately and adequately informing citizens of health concerns without discouraging travel and other important economic activity.
• Unnecessary panic has the potential to paralyze travel and further America’s ongoing economic crisis.
• Past health concerns such as Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Avian flu provide useful guidance as governments, opinion leaders and travelers consider the appropriate response to the H1N1 Virus.
• The 2003 SARS outbreak and the Avian flu threat are examples of an “infodemic,” not an “epidemic.”
• Travelers, like all citizens, should heed the advice of medical experts when determining how best to manage health concerns.
Currently, the H1N1 Virus should not be a cause of panic. The best way to battle the virus is to practice common-sense health practices like those above and stay abreast with health news and updates.
Visit the Ohio Department of Health's Web site at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/landing/phs_emergency/swineflu.aspx for more information on the H1N1 Virus. You also can utilize the toll-free number the Ohio Department of Health has set up for anyone with questions regarding the H1N1 Virus. The number, (866) 800-1404, is available from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Remember: Be prepared, not panicked!
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