H1N1 Pandemic Flu

Travel Questions

• Will student abroad programs for the fall be affected, and if so, how?
• I’m a student, faculty or staff member planning to travel abroad. What should I do before I travel?
• What should I consider before travelling regarding H1N1 flu?
• What should I do if I am travelling and I develop H1N1 flu symptoms?
• What guidance is available for University departments hosting visitors to campus?
• Does Ryerson plan to restrict or prohibit visitors to campus?
• Where can I find more information about Ryerson University travel policies?

Will student abroad programs for the fall be affected, and if so, how?

It is not anticipated that student abroad programs will be disrupted by H1N1.

Students, faculty, and staff should be aware that flu guidelines may change, depending upon the nature of the H1N1 virus and recommendations from our community health partners. In the event that conditions do change relevant information will immediately be posted at this website.

I’m a student, faculty or staff member planning to travel abroad. What should I do before I travel?

The Public Health Agency of Canada website has a wealth of information available to travellers – be sure to visit before you go. The information provided in this section has been adapted from this resource.

See your health care provider before you travel to discuss:

1. Whether you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations and what vaccines you need for your destination
2. The H1N1 flu virus situation in your destination and available health care in the area
3. Whether you are at risk of severe illness from influenza (for example, persons with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, elderly or children under 2 years of age)
4. If you should get a seasonal flu shot particularly if you are travelling to the southern hemisphere where it is currently flu season

Students going abroad must also complete the following:

1. Complete and sign the Student Liability Waiver form
2. Complete the online Travel Risk Assessment form, and have it approved by the activity supervisor
3. Register the activity online
4. Attend a Pre-Departure session (inquiries about pre-departure sessions should be sent to: rihelp@ryerson.ca)

What should I consider before travelling regarding H1N1 flu?

Individuals who have an acute respiratory illness either before leaving Canada or while abroad should delay travel to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Some countries have put quarantine measures into place for people travelling from countries reporting cases of H1N1, such as Canada. Information and assistance for Canadians travelling abroad, who may be subjected to quarantine measures, are provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).

What should I do if I am travelling and I develop H1N1 flu symptoms?

If you develop moderate flu symptoms, increase your fluid intake and get plenty of rest.

A list of physicians can be obtained through the nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate or can be accessed through the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT). Before seeking medical attention, it is recommended that you call ahead to your health care provider or urgent care facility to inform them of your symptoms and your recent travel history.

It is also important to remember that access to adequate medical care abroad may be limited. If further travel is necessary, travellers are reminded that they should not travel while ill. Travellers should also be aware of the possibility, in certain countries, of isolation and quarantine.

Stay in your accommodations or hotel (while travelling) or at home (if back in Canada) and avoid contact with others until three to five days have passed since your symptoms started or until you are feeling better.

What guidance is available for University departments hosting visitors to campus?

Ryerson International is able to provide guidance on hosting delegations and visitors.

Does Ryerson plan to restrict or prohibit visitors to campus?

There are no plans to do so at this time.

In the event that this should change due to H1N1, information for students, faculty and staff will be available on this website. We ask everyone who works or studies at Ryerson to visit this page regularly.

Where can I find more information about Ryerson University travel policies?

You can find information on Ryerson University travel risk management policies at http://www.ryerson.ca/cehsm/riskmgmt/inttravel.html.   

The business travel policy for faculty and staff expense reimbursement.

Students going abroad should visit the Ryerson International Travel Resources page.

Faculty or staff arranging international activities for students should refer to Ryerson International’s Initiating Short-Term International Experiences for Students document.