Influenza as a health problem of sea travellers

Abstract

Traveling people may play an important role in spreading of influenza viruses in the word. The risk for exposure to influenza during travel depends on the time of year and destination, and the way of traveling (individual trip or organized excursion with a large group of people, especially coming from many different countries). Results of recent studies indicated that influenza may be the most frequent vaccine-preventable infectious disease with symptoms from respiratory tract. It is estimated that the attack rate of influenza in intercontinental travelers is 1%. The aim of the article is to describe current recommendations for travelers, especially see travelers (passengers and crew), concerning influenza prophylaxis, treatment and possible outbreak control. Guidelines for the prevention and control of influenza –like illness among passengers and crew members on cruise ships have also been described.