SWINE FLU - IT'S BACK!!!

Well i guess it never left. The World Health Organization, better known as WHO has raised the SWINE FLU to level 6 which is Pandemic Level. This is the first flu epidemic in over 41 years. This is quite a historical moment in modern day medicine. The last pandemic — the Hong Kong flu of 1968 — killed about 1 million people according to the Associated Press. The New York Times reported the Hong Kong Flu "killed about 700 million people worldwide"

What does that mean for you? If you are traveling abroad, then be prepared for possible delays as foreign and domestic health officials screen for fever and flu symptoms. Worse case scenario is you would be quarantined and not be allowed to travel.

This could be the tip of the SWINE FLU iceberg, other possible affects are decreased global trade, local and regional panic or global hysteria.

As always keep a level head, be informed and prepared. Receive up to date Country and City Health Profiles when you apply for our Global Citizen or Travel Gap international health insurance policies.

CDC Travel Health Warning for Novel H1N1 Flu in Mexico Removed

CDC’s Travel Health Warning recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico, in effect since April 27, 2009, has now been downgraded to a Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.

Visit www.CDC.gov for more information regarding H1N1 Swine Flu travel warnings.

Combating Swine Flu: Global Citizen Insurance Offers Tips to Travelers

Over one million American businesspeople, expatriates, students studying abroad and vacationers are already in Mexico. For those travelers, the Global Citizen Insurance offers five basic tips:

Do your homework. Smart travelers should take time to understand the nature of Swine Flu, including its symptoms and transmission. (READ MORE)

Know the hospital emergency rooms in your destination. This is a step that people rarely take the time to consider, but understanding the local healthcare landscape in a city such as Mexico City can be important, especially in an emergency. As a client you have online and mobile resoureces to identify reliable emergency rooms throughout Mexico and in Mexico City neighborhoods typically frequented by U.S. visitors. You don’t want to rely on the hotel concierge for a recommendation on a good doctor or hospital.

Understand what medications are needed. Tamiflu® or Relenza® are the drugs of choice. Tamiflu is not available commercially but has been stockpiled by the government in adequate supplies and is being dispensed via large hospitals. Relenza has been commercially available in Mexico but demand may exceed supply. As a Global Citizen International Health Insurance client you have access to drug translations and interpreters via mobile device, web or 24 hour telephone asssitance.

Know the language, at least a little bit. In an emergency situation, a language barrier can be tragic. If you don’t speak the local language, have a translation tool or resource with you.
Don’t panic. The outbreak of Swine Flu has garnered international media attention. Even though the Centers for Disease Control have advised against non-essential travel to Mexico, stay informed and keep you perspective – you might not have to cancel that trip just yet. Sign up for travel alerts, they can be sent via email or SMS Text Message.

“Knowledge is the great equalizer; everyone who is traveling to Mexico City should immerse themselves in facts and not simply listen to the rumors,” said Angelo Masciantonio, director and CEO, HTH Worldwide. “There are numerous technologies and tools that will help you remain informed about the true nature of this outbreak. If a traveler does encounter swine flu or other issues while abroad, it’s critical that they receive high quality healthcare,

Remember as a Global Citizen Insurance client you have access to a global network of more than 5,000 hospitals and English-speaking doctors in 180 countries. This network includes twenty-one hospitals and 84 doctors in Mexico City alone.

World Health Organizations Raises Swine Flu Pandemic Warning

WHO Director-General has raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from the current phase 3 to phase 4. Read the Director-General's statement

Before your panic, read the Myths and Mysteries of the Swine Flu at Live Science.

At Global Citizen Insurance we are concerned about the welfare of our clients, local community and international population. Our clients can receive up to date health profiles for any city via email, SMS text message or by calling the 24 hour worldwide assistance telephone number. Receive the most current travel warnings and health alerts for any destination in the world.

When prevention is not enough and you become ill, then you have the freedom to chose any doctor or you can choose from our SELECT International Provider community of English speaking certified doctors who can diagnose, treat your conditions and then direct bill your medical expenses. Take care of yourself, be informed and let us take reduce the financial risk of an unforeseen medical emergency.