The Swine Flu, more recently dubbed H1N1, has been looming in the news since April. Some say they’ve had the flu and its simply a normal flu, other parents expose their children to it by having Swine Flue parties much as their parents exposed them to Chicken Pox. But with 76 pediatric fatalities since April as reported by the CDC, the high incidence of pregnant women susceptible to the flu, and recent information that points to H1N1 being more deadly for healthy young people 16-60, its clear that none of us should feel confident about being immune to the flu.
As the first vaccine shots for Swine Flu arrive, hopefully H1N1 will fade from national discourse. But until the effectiveness and widespread use of the vaccine is established, its responsible to do what you can to prevent contracting the flu.
H1N1 is spread as other flu viruses, via airborne particles or person- to person contact. And when you travel, you are put in close proximity to a wider range of people than you encounter in your day to day. If you’re traveling on an airplane especially, the air that is contaminated by coughs and sneezes are trapped in the cabin until it can be processed through filters- which in the best of circumstances are not 100% effective.
When you have to travel, be proactive about staying healthy- and keep yourself and those you love safer with these tips.
- Know your risk. Flu Tracker is a great tool for understanding what areas are hardest hit by the flu right now. If you’re traveling with small kids, if you have chronic conditions and especially if you are pregnant, understand that you’re more susceptible. If you’ve had a flu vaccine this year, that does not protect against H1N1 – it has its own specific vaccine. If you yourself feel seriously ill, be considerate of other people’s safety and postpone your travel plans.
- Bolster your immune system before and while you travel. Get plenty of sleep in the weeks before you get on a plane, and plenty of rest in the air. Many of us leave airplanes with colds and flu because of the combined stress of traveling, exposure to germs, and jet lag. Sleep is a powerful ally. Consider popping an Airborne daily a week or two leading up to your flight, the fizzy tablets were designed to enhance your immune system. Keep yourself full of healthy food in the days before and after traveling.
- Wash your hands regularly while traveling, especially before you eat. If you can’t get to soap and water, keep an antiseptic spray or gel with you, many are made to confirm with carry-on liquid size regulations. You may elect to wear a paper mask, but keep in mind there is no hard and fast evidence these masks are effective, as they do not adhere closely to the face. And they can cause alarm to other passengers.
- Don’t touch your face – don’t rub eyes, nose, or your mouth. Even if you have dirty hands, if you keep them well away from your face you’ll be alright until you can scrub down.
- Eschew handshakes. Meet someone on the plane? Someone help you with your bags? Thank them warmly, but skip the handshake. And don’t be shy about reminding someone who is sneezing or coughing to cover their mouth. (Preferably with their elbow rather than their hand.) Plastic surfaces can sustain germs longer than human hands. Be aware of what you touch.
- If you get water on an airplane, make sure its bottled rather than in a pitcher, and don’t drink the water out of the tap in an airplane. Only recently have regulations been put into place that require airplanes to carefully filter their water, and while this will not directly cause swine flu, it can weaken your immune system to contend with bacteria and germs. That having been said, it also weakens your system to be dehydrated, so drink plenty of fluids.
- Lots of flights have seating charts that let you pick your seat online. You can choose seats that are not directly next to strangers if that makes you feel more comfortable, or give priority to flights with less people on board.
Being thorough in taking precautions against flu – and teaching any little ones to do the same- is the best defense against spreading H1N1. But remember too that stress can be weakening to your system as well – if you’re excited about an upcoming vacation or journey, don’t let fears about getting the flu bring you down. Stay positive and embrace the excitement of traveling – happy people get sick less often. Enjoy your vacation and be confident that a little attention and awareness can go a long way in protecting your family from swine flu without restricting their horizons.
