South Africa via Heathrow - Swine Flu

Trotter

Should I be overly concerned about going through Heathrow on the way Capetown this week? I have VHI which offers some level of cover. Is the GP system in South Africa ok should we need to see one?

Davidth88

Never mind swine flu ...

Seriously , I am worried by your statement

I have VHI which offers some level of cover.

Are you seriously travelling to the other side of the world with no travel/health insurance ? or am I misreading this ?

Ponster

Trotter wrote: »

Should I be overly concerned about going through Heathrow on the way Capetown this week?

No need to worry (there right now)

Fratton Fred

I've flown in and out of Heathrow several times this month and i haven't died from Swine Flu yet.

Mena

If you need to see a doctor while you're down there, make sure you stay at least 16 miles away from any public hospitals/surgeries.

Go to any private hospital/surgery and you'll get arguably the best medical treatment on the planet.

Trotter

Davidth88 wrote: »

Never mind swine flu ...

Seriously , I am worried by your statement



Are you seriously travelling to the other side of the world with no travel/health insurance ? or am I misreading this ?

I have full travel and health insurance don't worry Thanks for the replies.

biko

Get a surgical mask

Gran Hermano

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/apr/30/face-mask-swine-flu-outbreak-warning

Is a face mask a good idea?
Only if you or someone you are caring for is suspected of having swine flu. There is no evidence to suggest it is worth wearing a face mask if you are healthy and are not looking after an infectious patient.
Why not wear a mask as a precaution?
Health officials say wearing a mask can give people a false sense of security. Only certain types are effective, and only then if worn properly. Masks only work if changed regularly, but they can get damp from breathing, making them more likely to harbour viruses. There is some concern that people using a mask might neglect to wash their hands as regularly.
Which masks work best?
Surgical masks are not designed to prevent virus particles being inhaled: they are used to stop germs being spread from doctors to patients. The two types of mask that can protect against viruses conform to a European standard called FFP3 and the US equivalent, N95. People often need to be trained to put these on properly.
What can I do instead?
Wash your hands regularly with soap. Refrain from touching your nose or mouth. Keep your distance from people with symptoms and think twice about attending crowded gatherings. Clean surfaces such as door handles if you think they may be contaminated.
What if I think I'm infected?
Stay at home. Call your GP or NHS Direct. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing. Use a tissue and dispose of it carefully. Tests for swine flu can be done at home or in hospital.

biko

Maybe get a tube of disinfectant gel?

dereko1969

Trotter wrote: »

Should I be overly concerned about going through Heathrow on the way Capetown this week? I have VHI which offers some level of cover. Is the GP system in South Africa ok should we need to see one?

Why? Have you done any sums as to how many people in the UK are infected compared to here? Why do people get so het up about things that have a miniscule chance of happening to them? There is a gazillion more chances of you having something bad happening to you in cape town than heathrow and the chance of something happening to you in cape town are small enough if you're careful.

Trotter

dereko1969 wrote: »

Why? Have you done any sums as to how many people in the UK are infected compared to here? Why do people get so het up about things that have a miniscule chance of happening to them? There is a gazillion more chances of you having something bad happening to you in cape town than heathrow and the chance of something happening to you in cape town are small enough if you're careful.

No I haven't done any sums. Its based on the reports that cases are on the rise rapidly in the UK. So I'm going to a concentrated place in London, i.e. Heathrow. I'm then getting on a plane which is a big germ capsule with wings. Then I'm going to a country I've never been in, so looking for advice as to whether or not I need to be concerned is prudent.

I'm not.. het up :rolleyes: I'm looking for advice.

dereko1969

Are you concerned about driving in another country? Or driving here? Way more deaths involved there.
The UK's Chief Medical Officer stated that the 29 deaths to date in the UK had to be seen in the context of other flu deaths.
During the 1999 to 2000 winter, seasonal flu deaths reached 21,000 and even during average winters there are normally anywhere between 6,000 to 8,000 deaths.
Stop worrying and try to enjoy your holiday.

Trotter

dereko1969 wrote: »

Are you concerned about driving in another country? Or driving here? Way more deaths involved there.
The UK's Chief Medical Officer stated that the 29 deaths to date in the UK had to be seen in the context of other flu deaths.
During the 1999 to 2000 winter, seasonal flu deaths reached 21,000 and even during average winters there are normally anywhere between 6,000 to 8,000 deaths.
Stop worrying and try to enjoy your holiday.

I'm not worried about dying, Im concerned about me or my wife spending 5 days of our honeymoon feeling sick in a country where I've never been. Thanks for your help.

Fratton Fred

another way of looking at it, 60,000,000 people 29 deaths, 3 of which are not due to other ill health.