The new flu strain, also known as swine flu, has now also reached Berlin. The Berlin Tourism Marketing GmbH is carefully monitoring the occurrence of new infections and is in direct contact with the responsible public health authorities. To keep visitors well informed and to reassure them that they can travel safely, we have put together some questions and answers on the topic of swine flu.

The new virus spreads from person to person in the same way as the "normal" seasonal flu; that is, mainly through droplet infection, for example, through coughing, sneezing or even through shaking hands. People who have been in direct contact with a probable or confirmed case of swine flu within the last seven days are considered to be at risk of developing the disease.

The symptoms are similar to those of "normal" seasonal flu. Typical symptoms are:

• suddenly starting to feel ill
• temperature of 38°C (100.4° Fahrenheit) or shivering
• head cold or runny nose
• sore throat
• coughing or breathing difficulties

We recommend that hotel guests first call reception in the hotel where they are staying. The hotel staff will help you to find a doctor with special consultation hours.
Outside normal consultation hours, the emergency medical service can be reached by telephone at this number: +49(30) 31 00 31 (in German).
Further contact points:
Institute of Tropical Medicine: +49 (30) 30116 -6
Berlin centre for travel and tropical medicine (BCRT): +49 (30) 960 609 40

If you are not sure where to turn, or have difficulties with the language, our Call Centre is there to help you every day at: +49 (30) 25 00 25 (Hotels. Tickets. Info: Monday to Friday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends and bank holidays: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.).

Washing your hands with soap and water is recommended. Avoid touching your face with your hands, because the virus can easily spread to the eyes, nose and mouth. When coughing, hold your sleeve in front of your mouth. Avoid contact to people belonging to high-risk groups (pregnant women, babies, chronically ill people etc).

You can find more information about the new flu strain, or swine flu, on the Senate Department for Health, the Environment and Consumer Protection website and in this PDF.

The Berlin Tourist Information is looking forward to your visit!

© Berlin Tourismus Marketing GmbH
 Contact · About us · Imprint