MANILA - Preparedness, not panic, is the key to addressing the extended reach of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus in Southeast Asia.

This as the Department of Tourism (DOT) echoed the World Health Organization (WHO) in encouraging travel to the Philippines and other parts of the region despite the spread of the virus.

"Being informed and prepared is always the key. Knowing that the A(H1N1) virus is not an airborne virus but transmitted via water droplets, it is important for travelers to practice necessary precautions through strict personal hygiene, regular hand washing, and etiquette. For people showing symptoms of influenza before, during, or after a trip, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention," DOT said.

DOT issued the advisory after the WHO reported that the "tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia continue to experience geographically regional or widespread Influenza A(H1N1) activity." This was said to be represented mainly by countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

The WHO and the United Nations World Tourism Organization have emphasized that travel limitations would not limit the spread of the virus since it is already the dominant influenza strain in most parts of the world.

The group recommended that the tourism sector "improve with business continuity," especially as an industry that continues to play a major role in a country's economic development.

Given this, the DOT called on local tourism players to help strengthen the industry by educating travelers on how to prevent the spread of the virus.