The latest information released this week shows that the H1N1 (swine flu) virus is not expected to be as severe as first thought. Many experts were predicting that the start of the northern hemisphere winter period was going to trigger the start the pandemic of the H1N1 flu virus, but latest figures are showing that new cases have been dropping off rapidly from a surge in early November. As Web MD quotes “When the fall/winter wave of H1N1 swine flu is over, it will have been no more severe than an average flu season, predict Harvard researcher Marc Lipsitch, DPhil, and colleagues from the U.K. Medical Research Council and the CDC.”
This positive news is also not a reason for complacency, and people should still do all they can to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, as with all other flu viruses. This includes following things like:
- Avoid Close Contact with Sick People
- Stay at home if you are sick to avoid spreading the virus
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Clean your hands regularly to avoid germs spreading
As an international student or traveler in the USA or anywhere in the world, you also need to make sure you have an appropriate and adequate health and travel insurance plan to cover you in the event that you fall sick with the H1N1 virus. Most insurance policies already provide coverage for things like the standard seasonal flu, and variation of it such as the H1N1 virus – however it is always advisable to contact your insurance broker or company before you travel to confirm this.
If you are looking for coverage, we offer a range of international student health insurance and travel medical insurance plans that all provide full coverage if you contract the H1N1 virus.
