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Canada is heading into one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and the H1N1 pandemic means travellers will have to consider possible cancellations or flu screenings in foreign destinations. Here are your Canadian travel questions answered:

I am about to fly overseas and I cared for my son while he was sick with the virus. Am I safe to travel?
The World Health Organization has said countries should not restrict travel across their borders, because the virus has already spread around the world. But last week, the federal government issued new advice telling Canadians to avoid travel – particularly long trips – if they have influenza-like symptoms, including sore throat, cough, fever, aches and fatigue. The government is also advising crew members to avoid travel if they are sick. Public-health officials say people should take measures to avoid spreading the virus, such as washing their hands frequently and using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If I’m in a foreign country and get word my child is ill with H1N1, can I get a discounted or emergency rate to return?
Individual companies may allow special rates or discounts on a case-by-case basis. Last week, the federal government urged travel companies to develop policies to make it easier for passengers to rebook their travel. FlightNetwork.com had been urging passengers to purchase travel insurance, but announced Tuesday it would waive cancellation and rebooking fees during flu season, up to April 1, 2010. The move won’t protect passengers from any cancellation or rebooking fees charged by airlines, however. Air Canada, WestJet and some major tour operators say a passenger’s best bet is to purchase travel insurance when booking a trip. Many have existing policies allowing people to change bookings, usually for a fee.

How long after being exposed to H1N1 should I wait before travelling?
It can take anywhere from about two to seven days for a person who has come in contact with the H1N1 virus to develop symptoms. If a person does not develop symptoms in that time frame, they may not develop the flu; however, health officials say they may want to consult a health-care professional before travelling. People who have contracted H1N1 could remain contagious even after their symptoms have dissipated. New research led by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that people could transmit or “shed” the H1N1 virus for up to 13 days after the onset of fever. It may be wise for individuals to delay travel for at least several days after their symptoms clear up. When they travel, health officials are highlighting the importance of measures to reduce the spread of the virus. In addition to washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer, individuals should cough or sneeze into their sleeve, elbow or a tissue that is thrown out immediately.

Are any foreign countries screening for H1N1?
The World Health Organization does not recommend that countries screen for H1N1 at borders because that probably won’t stop the spread of the virus. But certain countries are screening passengers before they enter and even quarantining those they believe may have the H1N1 virus. In China, officials may do medical exams on people they believe have come in contact with someone carrying the virus. They may quarantine individuals for up to seven days for medical observation. In Japan, officials are conducting on-board screening for people suspected of having the H1N1 virus. In India, travellers may be required to complete a medical questionnaire. People who are exhibiting symptoms of H1N1 or are suspected of carrying the virus may be quarantined by the government. Government officials recommend that travellers check the status of any H1N1-related screenings or other activities before departing for the country they plan to visit. Travel reports for countries around the world can be found on the Foreign Affairs website, or through this link: www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp.

Which foreign countries present especially high risks for H1N1?
The virus is well established in countries around the world. There have been reports that Ukraine has been particularly hard hit by the virus, and it has closed schools and cancelled public gatherings as a result. However, WHO has said it doesn’t have any clear indication the situation in that country is more severe than anywhere else. It has sent a team of officials to assess the situation.

Are any countries requiring that visitors be vaccinated for H1N1 before entry?
The response to the H1N1 outbreak varies country to country. The federal government advises all travellers to consult Foreign Affairs’ online travel reports to learn about any H1N1-related restrictions. There have been reports that Saudi Arabia would require people to be vaccinated before being able to attend the hajj pilgrimage, but it appears the government is only strongly recommending pilgrims get it.

I have visitors coming from a foreign country. Is Canada safe right now?
Canada is one of many countries currently battling an outbreak of the H1N1 virus. Public-health officials recommend individuals take preventive measures, outlined above, to avoid the potential spread of the illness. In addition, those who are sick are advised to stay home or seek medical attention for dangerous symptoms, such as shortness of breath or delirium, even if they’re visitors to a country.