H1N1 Flu is receiving increasing worldwide attention.  Lexia International is closely monitoring and following the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and is prepared to respond to changing circumstances as they develop.  As of this writing, CDC and the US Department of State recommend that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.

As always, Lexia expects students to engage in the safety process, to remain informed about local conditions, and to act with reason and caution. Toward this end, students are encouraged to review the following recommendations, which are current as of this writing, and to monitor the following H1N1 Flu websites of the CDC and the WHO for updated information:

• CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

• WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

The WHO website also has more detailed information about the virus’ history and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

Before Travel

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Travelers’ Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel to educate yourself about disease risks and current health recommendations for international travel specific to the areas you plan to visit.
  

• Be sure all of your routine vaccinations are up-to-date, and see your doctor or health care provider, ideally 4-6 weeks before travel, to get any additional vaccinations, medications or information you may need.  Discuss with your medical provider the possibility of getting an influenza vaccination prior to travel and whether or not to bring a supply of antiviral medication with you when you go abroad.
  

• Assemble a travel health kit containing basic first aid and medical supplies. Be sure to include a thermometer and alcohol-based hand gel.
  

• Familiarize yourself with the CMI Medical Insurance program in which all Lexia students are enrolled.

During Travel

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Waterless alcohol-based hand gels may be used when soap is not available and hands are not visibly soiled.
  

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people (within 6 feet). Influenza is thought to spread from person-to-person mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
  

• Thoroughly cook all foods containing pork before eating.
  

• If you become sick with symptoms such as a fever accompanied by a cough, sore throat, or have difficulty breathing or if you develop any illness that requires prompt medical attention, contact your Resident Director at once and seek immediate treatment from the recommended health care provider for your site.  If you are traveling outside of your program site city, medical facility recommendations can be obtained by phoning the Worldwide Assistance phone number on your CMI insurance card and/or by contacting the local U.S. consulate. Defer further travel until you are free of symptoms, unless your travel is health-related.

Upon Return

• Monitor your health for 10 days.
  

• If you become ill with a fever plus a cough, sore throat, or have trouble breathing during this 10-day period, consult a health-care provider. Be sure to tell the provider about your symptoms, where you traveled, and if you have had close contact with a severely ill person or direct contact with pigs.

Please refer to the above websites for the most current information. If you have further questions, please call or email Lexia's main office: +1.800.77-LEXIA, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it