As of 31 December 2017 it was reported 
that influenza activity was increasing across Europe and Central Asia with both influenza type A and B viruses co-circulating.
Advice to Travellers
- Travellers to countries during their influenza season are at similar risk of infection as local residents.
- Crowded conditions encourage spread of infection and travellers can be exposed, for example in those attending pilgrimages (e.g. the Hajj), in aircraft, waiting rooms, buses, bars, hotels and on cruises.
Reducing Risk
- One of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infection is careful and frequent hand washing.
- If soap, clean water and towels are not available, alcohol hand rub can be used.
- If possible avoid crowded places.
- If possible avoid coughs and sneezes.
When to consider vaccination
Vaccination should be considered under the following circumstances and is dependent on the individual risk assessment (For further information see Influenza):
- Travellers in high risk group categories who plan to travel from one hemisphere to the other shortly before or during the destination country's influenza season, should consider vaccination.
- Vaccine for travellers to the opposite hemisphere may not be obtainable in the UK prior to travel. The traveller should therefore try to arrange for vaccination after arriving at their travel destination if possible.
- Travellers attending the Hajj or if in a risk group and going on a cruise.
- Travellers out-with the high risk groups may wish to be vaccinated to reduce the risk of an important short trip being disrupted by an incapacitating preventable illness.
