Today's world is connected closely because of air travel. This makes everyone, no matter where they live, threatened as the disease easily travels from location to location virtually within hours. In nature, influenza viruses circulate continuously among animals, especially birds. Even though such viruses might theoretically develop into pandemic viruses, in Phase 1 no viruses circulating among animals have been reported to cause infections in humans. Now at Phase 4, it is not yet considered a pandemic but the potential does exist.

Up until now, WHO has advised no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is strongly advisable for people who are ill to delay travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek immediate medical attention. Just today, the European Union advised against travel to Mexico and the US, while US health officials remain on high alert. There is no risk of infection from the consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.