Is all this overreacting? As the Chinese perspective goes, time will tell. China is concerned about what could happen f this influenza variant gets loose among 1.3 billion people, many underserved by health services and in remote rural areas, not to mention a lot of swine for reservoir / mutation.
I will remind everyone the 1918-1919 "Spanish" flu came mildly in Spring, returned with strength in the winter 1918 flu season and 1) affected primarily young people with healthy immune systems (it's the nature of how A H1N1 variants seem to work,) and 2) killing 50 - 100 million by the time it was done. (Link to Wikipedia article.)
In the meantime, reading reveals people detected with fevers / flu have included Koran airlines... but it is true, North American flights / originating passengers appear to be the ones most watched at the moment, as most cases have been recorded in that part of the world.
Summer may see a change to flu cases recorded in southern areas, such as Australia...
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I am very concerned about my trip to China, in July. We have had a few deaths in NYC from the flu. Everyday more schools are being closed because of the flu. Instead of slowing down, it seems to be running amok in NYC:.
THe A H1N1 may be switching to the southern hemisphere for their winter - July is still some time off. I'd still expect China to continue monitoring passengers and acting accordingly (fever and suspected symptoms = 7 days quarantine.)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brudda
I am very concerned about my trip to China, in July. We have had a few deaths in NYC from the flu. Everyday more schools are being closed because of the flu. Instead of slowing down, it seems to be running amok in NYC:.
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Current arrivals process in Shanghai
I've done arrivals into both PVG and SHA over the last week and can report that the following procedures are currently in place:
1. If flying a Chinese carrier, you may be met, on boarding, by a member of cabin crew who will "zap" you with a handheld temperature measurement device. I assume a high temperature will get additional questioning.
2. You have to fill out a quarantine form on board. These are more extensive than the forms being used a few weeks ago (which dated from the bird flu period). They ask for contact phone numbers in China (hotel number is fine, cellphone also good) as well as details of where you have been in the last 7 days, and where you are going in the next 7 days. If you are leaving China within 7 days they ask for the flight number and destination. You are also asked to provide a name and phone number for an individual relative or coworker who has full knowledge of your whereabouts, so they can be contacted if your contact details don't work for some reason. You then have the usual series of boxes to check about symptoms and whether you have them.
3. On arrival from a country with reported H1N1, such as the UK, Japan, US and Korea, everyone is asked to remain seated on landing. A team of officials in biohazard suits then boards and zaps every passenger in the forehead with a temperature device. Anyone consistently recording a high temperature is escorted off the plane for a secondary check (see below), along with those seated around them. No one else can leave the plane until the entire aircraft has been checked. This delays deplaning by 15-20 minutes and should be factored into your onward travel plans.
4. On deplaning, you then come to a quarantine check where your form is collected and scrutinised. If you have checked any of the symptom boxes you are sent away for a secondary check (see below). Otherwise you are given a leaflet telling you to avoid unneccessary contact with others for 7 days and what to do if you develop symptoms.
5. The rest of the immigration process (passport, baggage claim, customs) then takes place as normal.
I got a secondary check a couple of days ago at SHA on the way back from GMP (hay fever...). All they do is ask a coupled of questions and take your temperature properly (old fashioned glass thermometer under the arm for 3-4 minutes). If no temperature appears then that's the end of the check. '
Hope this helps reassure a few people - nothing to be concerned about really, just an inconvenience that (arguably) is being done for show rather than having any real practical benefit.
Please read this update about new Shanghai reaction to flu.
The Mayor, his wife and body guard were quarantined for a week in Shanghai. They sat near a passenger, with flu like symptoms. He will be unable to go to the summit and make his speech.
I read that he, his wife, and security detail (bodyguard) were in a different
area of the plane than the rest of his entourage, who didn't get quarantined.
So he was probably in C or F, staff in back. Seated close to a 24-year-old Frenchman studying at a local university, who tested positive for the virus and is the 10th case. Flight was CO087 from NEwark.
I wonder if political clout can get him out of the 7 day quarantine? I remember
when Mexico sent over their jet they released the quarantined Mexicans before
their slated quarantine period was over.
Last edited by anacapamalibu; Jun 8, 09 at 3:35 pm.
Yeah, I wonder if ordinary people get that nice treatment too? Not counting on it!
You know, if their test for swine flu consists of seeing if you have a fever, why shouldn't everyone on the plane just take 2 aspirin an hour before arrival? I kind of wonder why no one has ever proposed this.
You know, if their test for swine flu consists of seeing if you have a fever, why shouldn't everyone on the plane just take 2 aspirin an hour before arrival? I kind of wonder why no one has ever proposed this.
Aspirin and Paracematol affect on fever
The reduction in fever began 30 minutes after the dose and persisted for at least 6 hours for both doses of aspirin and paracetamol. The higher doses of each medicine achieved greater reductions in fever than the lower doses. Aspirin 1,000 mg reached its peak effect on fever (lowered by 1.67°C) more quickly than paracetamol 1000 mg (lowered by 1.71°C) (time to maximum temperature difference 174 vs. 213 minutes).
We think alike. I am bringing a supply of aspirin & tylenol.
I fly to Shanghai and then connect on to Beijing. I assume I will be interviewed by customs in BJ and not Shanghai. However, Shanghai might have the zap machines to check for fever. I won't take a pill unless I feel sick.
H1N1 a problem in NYC
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H1N1 Update
Aspirin and Paracematol affect on fever
