On 10 August 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the world is now in the post-pandemic period concerning the Pandemic (H1N1) virus. We are now moving into a situation where the virus has spread to all countries and where no large and unusual summer outbreaks have occurred in either Northern or Southern Hemispheres. Therefore, the evidence is strong that the recent influenza pandemic patterns are transitioning towards seasonal patterns of influenza.
Some countries, however, are continuing to experience significant levels of influenza H1N1 (2009), and national authorities in these countries will need to maintain implementation of outbreak response measures for some time to come. Hence, personal responsibility is still the most important step that travellers can take to protect themselves and others. Travel restrictions are not recommended.
WHO recommends vaccination of high-risk individuals in countries where influenza vaccines are available. Given this picture, it will remain important for people to continue to take prudent steps to protect themselves. Actions to generally reduce risks of influenza infection, such as through use of vaccines and hand and respiratory hygiene, will also reduce the risks from H1N1 infection specifically.