LAUSANNE (FIBA) - During a meeting of the medical leaders of the international team sport federations important questions regarding the H1/N1 pandemic (Swine Flu) at international sporting events was discussed. Experts from FIFA, IIHF, IHF, FIBA, FINA, IBAF, ICC and FIVB gathered on 1st November 2009 in Lausanne, at the headquarters of FIVB to discuss actions and precautions to be taken.

As a result of the meeting and in view of close consultation with WHO it was established that the following recommendations be met:

• Players diagnosed with H1N1 flu, by laboratory confirmation, should refrain from any sporting activities during a minimum of 7 days after the appearance of the first symptoms.
• single dose vaccination against the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus is recommended, as a preventative measure, provided the players do not have existing underlying medical conditions;
• application of strict rules of hand washing and coughing etiquette as well as avoiding contact with sick people;
• concerning the eventual postponement of competitions, the medical representatives of team sports do not advise on postponement of national and international matches in the current situation. However, should public health conditions or risk factors at the local level warrant ad hoc measures or should the situation of the pandemic drastically change in the future, this position would possibly be reconsidered;
• regular consultation of the WHO webpage (www.who.int) is highly recommended. Specific technical advice pertaining to sporting events during the pandemic can be requested to the WHO mass gathering team (massgatherings@who.int). Currently, WHO has not made any restrictions for national and international travel.

FIBA