(image per Microsoft Office Online)

“Planes, trains, and automobiles . . .” Rates of infection caused by the 2009 H1N1 swine flu may have peaked recently, but the pandemic flu virus continues to be a potential source of illness in all age groups. During the week of November 8-14, 2009, influenza activity actually decreased across all key indicators, but overall remained very high for this time of year. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continues to be the 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. We're not out of the swine flu woods yet, as health professionals are predicting additional H1N1 spikes in the December – January and April time frames.

Every holiday season, millions of Americans travel through our nation's airports, bus terminals, seaports, and train stations to visit with family and loved ones. Special holiday get-togethers, and traveling itself, brings people closer together- and also provides the ideal mechanism for viruses to spread.

"The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year," said Anne Schuchat, M.D., director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

"People are in close contact - whether they're on a plane, train, ship or just visiting with loved ones. This campaign provides practical advice to help travelers prepare for their trips and stay healthy during their holiday travel."

CDC's recent holiday travel campaign is urging people to take the following basic steps and precautions when planning their travel, and to stay informed about what to do if they get sick while they're gone, including:

• Traveling only when they are feeling well;
• Getting vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they are in a priority group);
• Washing hands often;
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

"We know that flu - and specifically H1N1 this year - is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn't ruin the holidays," Dr. Schuchat said. "By practicing a little prevention, people can enjoy their holidays and stay well at the same time."

CDC developed their Travelers' Health campaign in response to the emergence in April of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Since then, flu has spread throughout the country and around the world. In the United States, it has accounted for millions of cases and more than 4,000 deaths since April.

For more information about the CDC Travelers' Health campaign, and recommendations regarding travel, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx .

Enjoy the holiday season to the fullest - but practice safe traveling measures.

(image above: Dr. Anne Schuchat; / AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Also:

• Studying Abroad During Flu Season;  
• What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu (Center for Disease Control)

 Travelers check in at American Airlines counter at Reagan National Airport on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, in Washington. The number of Americans traveling away from home for Thanksgiving will be up only slightly this year than in 2008, according to a report from the AAA auto club. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

See Related Articles:

• Free H1N1 educational resources for teachers, students, and parents
• DocRock rap video shows children how to avoid the swine flu
• CDC update on 2009 H1N1 reveals mixed results
• H1N1 catalyst for Healthy Families Act to provide paid sick leave
• Grading our schools on H1N1 preparedness
• Cold and flu prevention posters, free downloads for public postings
• 60 Minutes gives an inside look at H1N1 vaccine production, and more
• Flu vaccines for pregnant women also help protect their unborn babies
• While Md. awaits H1N1 swine flu vaccine, doctors stress prevention
• Prioritize H1N1 vaccine to young children and pregnant women 

H1N1 / Flu Links:

• Flu.gov
• What Should Pregnant Women Know About 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?
• Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene   (Vaccine Clinic Sites)

To receive e-mail alerts to Richard's articles, simply click on the Subscribe button above. 
E-mail alerts are free, private and secure, and you won't get any ink on your fingers.