Stay home is not exactly the two words families want to hear as Thanksgiving draws near. The four day weekend holiday is a time for travel to bring families together. But stay home is one of the tips the American Red Cross is offering to would be travelers who may be sick with H1N1.
 

Frequent hand washing continues to be critical to help stave off illness. It is also a good idea to use sanitizing wipes to disinfect surfaces like airplane tray tables, luggage, seat armrests and door handles according to the Red Cross travel tips recommended by chief nurse, Sharon Stanley.
 

“Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy being with family, not to be in bed with the flu,” said Stanley. “You can follow easy tips to try and avoid becoming ill over the upcoming holiday.”
 

Beside hand washing, staying home if sick and using sanitizer wipes to disinfect, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help decrease the spread of flu during Thanksgiving travel.
 

If you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick, know the flu symptoms and be extra cautious about hygiene and cough etiquette-the virus is active before symptoms show up. Bring personal blankets, pillows and earphones to avoid using something which may have been in contact with the flu virus. Clean hands before eating meals, snacks or putting anything into your mouth-use sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
 

Food, family and friends are what Thanksgiving is all about. Keep the celebration safe, happy and healthy.
 

Avoid the usual kisses, hugs and handshaking greetings. If someone in the host household becomes ill, keep them clear of others, or move the celebration. Wash hands before, during and after food preparation. Have plenty of hand soap or sanitizer for guests and use disposable hand or paper towels instead of fancy towels. Use plastic cups, identify guests drinks and don’t share drink cups. Use serving utensils for every dish, including snacks; allowing people to spoon out portions without placing hands in the food.
 

With thanksgiving for all the volunteers who make a difference all year long, the Red Cross wishes you a safe, healthy and happy Thanksgiving holiday.