Is Haiti just TOO dangerous for travel?

Should I travel to Haiti with the swine flu scare going on?

• I'm headed on a mission trip May 9 to Haiti with some old friends. My father is worried about the swine flu and it's impact in Haiti. I also am allergic to pertussis so I have never received a whooping cough vaccination. I'm praying about what the Lord would have me do, but I wanted to see if anyone had any helpful information. Is whooping cough related to the swine flu? Should I worry about either of them in Haiti? Any updates on the swine flu? Is our government really downplaying the seriousness of the issue? thanks! Grace and Peace

• Answer:

  I have traveled to Haiti with missions since 1995 with about 20 trips logged. I would be more concerned about getting malaria than the flu in Haiti. Those who travel to Haiti have a history on receiving immunization and usually apply strict health rules. The planes that come into Haiti fly from NY, Miami, Canada and France along with misc cargo planes from various regions. It would be my opinion that being in the USA would stand a greater risk of exposure. When flu is a concern, I get the flu shot to protect the Haitians from the flu strain. So if the flu shot become available before going get it to protect them. If the Lord calls you to go then go!