Flu season begins in South America and Southern Hemisphere

Travellers should be aware that the winter influenza season is beginning in the Southern Hemisphere, including the temperate countries of South America. In Peru, there have been seven deaths reported due to flu. Most of the reported infections have occurred in Lima.

Frequent hand washing and maintaining a discrete distance (approximately 1 metre) from people with respiratory symptoms will help reduce the risk of exposure to flu virus. Vaccination against flu is recommended for elderly people especially those with existing medical conditions.