Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO guideline on public health and social measures for mitigating the risk and impact of epidemic and pandemic influenza
Year of Publication2026
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
WHO recommends that travel advice be used to inform individuals of the risk of infection and of the measures that can be taken to protect themselves against potential exposure to influenza viruses during influenza epidemics and pandemics.
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Very low
Notes and Remarks
- Health authorities are encouraged to provide health information and advice on potential health risks associated with travel to help people understand how best to avoid or minimize such risks, take appropriate preventive measures, and exercise necessary precautions before, during and after travel.
- In a frequently changing local and global epidemic or pandemic situation, a lack of up-todate information can cause confusion or frustration for travellers, with associated concerns for adherence. Therefore, travel advice should be evidence based and regularly updated according to the most up-to-date epidemiological information.
- Importantly, travel advice should not be biased (deliberately or unintentionally) against any local areas or countries.
- When issuing advice, health officials should take into account the potentially negative economic impacts that recommendations against travel could cause in the affected areas.