A year later, H1N1 flu and your summer travel plans Published Aug. 11, 2010 By Sharon Foster TRICARE Management Activity FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- Last summer, talk of the H1N1 flu virus dominated the news. It was described by World Health Organization officials as the first pandemic of the 21st century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that between 7,880 and 16,460 H1N1-related deaths occurred between April 1 and Dec. 12, 2009. One year later, the H1N1 virus has fallen off the public's radar, but the WHO officials report it's still a global problem. There could be danger in believing the risk is gone, especially for Tricare beneficiaries traveling internationally or going on cruises. It's important to think about how the seasonal and H1N1 flu may affect vacation and travel plans. Many people associate the flu with cold weather. Indeed, influenza generally occurs during the winter months, but in some regions, it's most active April through September, or throughout the year, according to CDC officials. Traveling to areas where seasonal and H1N1 flu activity is higher than in the U.S. can put vacationers at risk. So can taking a cruise or visiting a resort with travelers from areas where influenza activity is higher. Any traveler who wants to reduce the risk of getting sick with influenza should get the vaccine. It's best to get the vaccine at least two weeks before the start of a trip, according to the CDC. "In years past, the elderly represented most of those who died from the flu," said Army Col. Wayne Hachey, the director of operations for preventive medicine for the Tricare Management Activity. "With the emergence of the 2009 H1N1 flu, everyone is at risk. Young, healthy people die from the flu. If you have not been immunized, you place yourself and your loved ones at unnecessary risk." Tricare beneficiaries can always help in the global fight of controlling the spread of influenza by staying at home if they're sick, washing their hands frequently and covering their mouths when they cough or sneezes. Tricare covers the following vaccines for the seasonal and H1N1 flu for all beneficiaries: Flu shot: an inactivated vaccine containing a killed virus and given with a needle. This form of the vaccine may be used in all age groups. Flu mist: nasal-spray flu vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses. This form of the vaccine is limited for use in people who are between the ages of two and 49 years old, and who aren't pregnant when they receive the vaccination. Flu vaccines are provided by select Tricare-authorized providers or through a network pharmacy that participates in the vaccination program at a zero copay to Tricare beneficiaries. No referral or prior authorization is required when this benefit is obtained at one of these pharmacies, but state laws may have specific requirements for a prescription or required minimum age limits. To locate a participating pharmacy, beneficiaries can go to www.express-scripts.com/Tricare or call Express Scripts, the Tricare pharmacy program contractor, at 877-363-1303. All active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members should follow the Department of Defense's guidance. Non active-duty Prime beneficiaries must have a referral and authorization from their primary care manager to receive the seasonal or H1N1 vaccine from a non-network provider who doesn't accept Tricare's allowable charge as payment in full. Without authorization, the beneficiary is responsible for the bill. For more information about the seasonal and H1N1 flu and to learn about preventing the flu, visit the Tricare Flu Resources webpage at www.tricare.mil/flu/, or the Tricare Novel Influenza A (H1N1) webpage at www.tricare.mil/flu/fluh1n1.aspx. Traveling Overseas with Tricare http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=635 Tricare Makes Traveling within the U.S. Carefree http://www.tricare.mil/mediacenter/news.aspx?fid=640