Is it safe to travel to Mainland China/ Hong Kong in July/August?

The health quarantines are random and are based on whether anyone on your flight has a fever or some kind of flu-like symptom. For every person who is quarantined, there are THOUSANDS of people who are not.

Swine flu is not a major issue. I don't know why people are freaked out about it. The media really did the world a huge disservice by how they reported this flu. More people die from seasonal flu each year than have died from swine flu, yet people don't panic over seasonal flu.

On a side note, this goes to show how you truly shouldn't trust any one source of media for your information. Go directly to the World Health Organization for qualified details.

China has had 1089 reported cases of swine flu with ZERO deaths! The United States of America has had 21449 cases with 87 deaths. Does this mean you shouldn't return to the US (I'm assuming you are from the US. My apologies if you are from somewhere else. The link below has each country's statistics so you can check for your own country if needed).

http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_06_26/en/index.html

The following was issued by the Centers for Disease Control:

Recommendations for Travel to Areas Reporting Novel H1N1 Flu

CDC recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of flu discuss their travel plans with their doctor. Together, they should look carefully at the H1N1 flu situation in their destination and the available health-care options in the area. They should discuss their specific health situations and possible increased risk of traveling to the area affected by novel H1N1 flu.

Travelers at high risk for complications include:

* Children less than 5 years of age
* Persons aged 65 years or older
* Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
* Pregnant women
* Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
* Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)

Healthy people may make travel plans as they normally would and take common sense precautions to protect their health during travel.

http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/outbreak-notice/novel-h1n1-flu-global-situation.aspx

Go . . . enjoy your trip!

It should be safe, just wash your hands as often as possible, or better still wear a mask to cover the nose and mouth. You must include Hong Kong. There's no tariffs nor sales tax levied on your dinings and shoppings. Below are some info re touring the city,

Many places in Hong Kong are easily accessible by both big buses and mini buses. Long haul bus fares are cheaper than MTR's and many attractions can be commuted by bus at Central or Kowloon Star Ferry.

Riding a bus from Kowloon Star Ferry to Choi Hung Terminal then transferring to a green mini bus from there to go all the way to Sai Kung for seafood followed by a stroll of the seaside.

Another interesting and economical attraction is to ride on the Tram that runs from east to west of the Island. The entire trip takes about an hour and only costs HK$2 per adult.

Take No. 6 bus from Central Bus Terminal which takes you to the famous Repulse Bay, get off there and have lunch by the beach, then catch No. 6 again to continue going to the Stanley's Market, an interesting place to shop and dine and to see attractions left behind by the British and the ancient fishermen.

From Central you must try climbing the world's longest escalator which takes you from sea level up to mid level. On the mid way, stop by Hollywood Road to look at the one of the world's largest antique markets and a famous Temple. At night stop by the famous bar street, Lan Kwai Fong in Central for a drink or some food.

There're so many interesting places in Hong Kong, I would stay at least 7-10 days.

Shopping of electronics and electrical goods is most popular among tourists, always buy at large reputable stores such as Fortress, Broadway. Jewelry and brand names including Samsonite suitcases are also wonderful in Hong Kong as there's no import duties nor sales tax. But be sure to check around in large shopping malls such as the IFC, Pacific Place in the Island and Ocean Terminal near Kowloon Star Ferry. I usually find things in Hong Kong can be 10% - 50% cheaper than other countries' including in Mainland China. If you buy one Armani suit, a pair of Clarks dress shoes and a branded watch you can easily save the amount equivalent to your roundtrip plane ticket.

Most cases of swine flu have been reported in the US so technically the US is the most dangerous place to visit as far as swine flu is concerned.
Also swine flu is no more dangerous than other forms of influenza - more people have died in the last year from other forms of flu than swine flu. In the US it's esimated that 20,000 die each year from normal flu; rising to over 60,000 when the patient also contracts pneumonia (so far 146 people (or 87 according to WHO) have died as a consequence of swine flu in the US) .
Most of the deaths associated with swine flu have been the result of people who were already ill contracting virus and exacerbating their condition.

It is safe to travel to China and Hong Kong.

1. Both places monitor passenger temperatures at the airport. As long as it is < 98.6'F it would not be a problem to enter. Put on a mask in flight
2. Bring along masks for your trip. Use them in crowded places and in transportation
3. Bring along hand sanitizer. Use it frequently. Avoid using hands to touch faces
4. One can contract swine flu anywhere in the world. Not to worry as long as (2) & (3) are closely followed
5. Relax and enjoy the trip. You will love it

Yes! Have a good time in Hong Kong!

As long as you wash your hands and stay away from "suspicious" people (ie. people coughing left and right and right in your face), you should be fine.

The only potential problem that I see going to Hong Kong in July/August is that that's when Hong Kong gets typhoon. It'll be hot and muggy there, and be prepared to be stuck indoors (ie. hotel or mall) when the typhoon strikes.

Don`t worry just fly direct to Beijing or Shanghai. Swine flu is not a big issue in China. The big problem is the Summer heat, very hot on certain days.

the swine flu virus that got to asia is not as serious and alarming as reported on the news.My family went to Kl and singapore at the peak of this virus, fortunately we were spared but we just have to take the precautionary measures.We took 1000mg of vit c to increase our resistance to viral infections. also, hopefully by then, this virus could have been controlled.dont forget to pray for God's protection. He is the best refuge from all this viruses.Enjoy your trip

Swine flu is not a problem in China unless you have a fever and get quarantined. It is safe to travel. Go have fun. The only thing I would worry about is the heat in South China.

I would never go to Hong Kong, but that has nothing to do with swine flu. Go somewhere on the mainland where there are very few foreigners - that will be your ebst experience