If you're an expert heading abroad for business this winter, you need to think more than meeting flights and agendas. The South Africa Medical Association (SAMA) recently shared a warning about the rise in flu cases across the country. For business travelers, this adds a significant layer of risk to what may seem like a daily trip.
It's winter now and South Africa is deeply involved in the flu season. This is a key factor in increasing health risks while traveling, according to travel risk expert Global Rescue. Respiratory infections exist all over the world, but they can catch some spikes in places with poor air quality or during peak flu. And the period of peak flu changes depending on where you go.
In the southern hemisphere, including South Africa, the flu season usually lasts from April to September. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is most active between October and March, and in tropical regions, influenza can circulate year-round. So, if you're jumping off to attend a meeting in London, visiting clients in Nairobi, or attending a summit in New York, it's worth checking out flu activities at your destination.
The trip itself is already straining your body. Long hours, low sleep, high stress levels, crammed itinerary, and prolonged exposure in busy environments (such as airports, planes, business venues) create the perfect storm for the spread of respiratory illnesses. It's no wonder why so many people find themselves under the weather on their way to travel.
Herman Heunes, a corporate traveler GM, believes this is a conversation that companies need to prioritize staff before they leave. “It's important to check in with travelers about their current health, whether they have received a seasonal flu vaccine and whether they have existing conditions that could be exposed to higher risk,” he says. According to The Journal of Travel Medicine, individuals at high risk for the flu include people of extreme age and those with immunocompromised.
He also emphasizes the importance of having proper travel health insurance. “We've seen how unpredictable international travel is, especially when health is involved. It's step 1 for employees to get the right insurance. It's important to encourage open dialogue about their well-being,” he explains.
It is also worth noting that flu vaccinations can provide great protection not only for travelers but for everyone who comes into contact with overseas and returns home. Health experts recommend getting vaccinated at least two weeks before departure, giving the body time to build immunity. For those traveling to the Northern Hemisphere later in the year, they may need a second flu jab along the region's seasonal lineage.
If an employee gets sick during a trip, ripple effects are costly, from cancelled or postponed meetings to extended accommodation and returns delays. Companies that rely on teams to represent globally cannot afford to overlook these very realistic risks.
“There's a human side to business trips, but we should never forget,” adds Heunes. “Your traveler's health is not just about personal issues. It is part of your responsibility to care for them.”
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