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Newsroom Chapter Blog
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Apr
30
4/30/2009 7:03 PM
 After my blog post on Monday, one of our readers asked…
Nicole,
… Wondering if you can advise me. My in-laws are currently in Mexico on an extended Mission Trip. They are in the interior about 6-8 hours drive in. Their plan was to stay for about 6 weeks until several mission teams have come and gone. My trip is scheduled for June 3-9. Do we need to advise them to come home? They are most likely not getting much information on this except limited internet access at the end of the week. I feel a responsibility to gather as much information as I can to inform them of the potential dangers as well as border closer. Do you have any advice or guidance for me? I appreciate any help you can give as it is hard to be discerning about the media presentation on this. -Suzy
Here is my response…
Suzy,
Thanks for the questions. You're right. All of the conflicting reports in the media can sometimes be confusing.
The most important thing to remember is that there are steps everyone can take now to prevent the spread of H1N1 (swine flu) such as covering your cough/sneeze, washing hands frequently, and keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
If anyone (in the US or Mexico) experiences a fever, cough, running nose or muscle pain, they should contact their physician and stay home to avoid contact with others. All reports indicate that prompt treatment is working.
As far as travel goes, at this point there are no indications that borders between the US and Mexico will be closed because the H1N1 (swine flu) is already present in the US.
At this time, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. This means that if you don't have to travel to Mexico, they recommend you stay home. However, this guidance may change between now and your travel date in June. Changes to this guidance will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. I would suggest checking it as your trip gets closer.
The CDC does have a page that discusses health warnings related to travel. Check it out by clicking here.
The following are reliable sites to check for updates on the H1N1 (swine flu) situation in Mexico:
Secretaria de Salud: Secretary of Health, Mexico [Web page in Spanish]
World Health Organization: Influenza-Like Illness in the United States and Mexico
Pan American Health Organization
I realize all of this can be a little overwhelming sometimes. Just remember that this is a new virus and more information is available daily. If you have any questions after checking out these sites, don't hesitate to ask.
Nicole
Nicole Holtgrefe is the Director of Preparedness and Client Services for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.
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2 comment(s) so far...
Re: Nicole Holtgrefe- Answering Questions from the Blog: H1N1 (swine flu)
I was just thinking about Nicole Holtgrefe- Answering Questions from the Blog and you've really helped out. Thanks!
By Yachtcharter Griechenland on
9/25/2009 5:18 AM
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Re: Nicole Holtgrefe- Answering Questions from the Blog: H1N1 (swine flu)
hello!
Was the Red Cross aware of a quarantine solution offered nation-wide by a company called Karl's Event Rental? I am a hospital administrator, and looking for an emergency triage resource so patients will not enter the main hospital. Karl's, which I think their website is www.karls.com, offers tents and all the other requirements to accept patients.
Dave
By Dan Jimenez on
10/26/2009 2:16 PM
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