Swine flu precautions during holiday travels

September 25, 7:31 AMDenver Travel ExaminerDiana Rowe

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Denver Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

On July 24, 2009 CDC’s official reporting of individual cases of confirmed and probable novel H1N1 (swine flu) infection was discontinued, opting to the more valuable transition to standard surveillance systems to monitor illness, hospitalizations and deaths. However, for those looking at traveling during the holiday season, as with any flu or other illnesses, it’s important to take precautions, especially when traveling with young children or seniors. Examiner.com asked Anne Bannas, Executive Editor, SmarterTravel’s, to share advice for traveling during the upcoming weeks around the holidays.

“As far as cancellations, there's no guarantee how airlines will handle things, but from what we are seeing now they are taking extra steps to keep passengers healthy,” said Banas. “Many have removed pillows and blankets from flights, some are offering antibacterial hand wipes and masks and Continental recently announced mandatory flu shots and clinics for employees in hub cities.”

In fact, even airports are offering flu shots on the fly for busy travelers really on the go. All you have to do is pay your $25-$35 fee, bare your arm, grit your teeth and you’re back in the terminal.

• Click here for a list of airports offering flu shots.

“But, if Swine Flu erupts in a single country or region, as it did last time in Mexico,” said Banas, “airlines will likely cancel flights and wave change fees for that destination. My biggest piece of advice to travelers nervous about canceling due to illness is: consider travel insurance.”

Travel insurance is always a highly debatable topic, but just like any insurance, it only takes one incident for you to need it, and then you really need it. Coverages may include: trip cancellation due to terrorism & other named unforeseen events, trip delay, lost baggage, medical emergency such as the flu, and others. Coverage varies depending on your destination and other variants, so make sure you read the fine print and ask any questions before purchasing.

Purchasing travel insurance is can be as convenient as a click of the mouse when confirming your flight plans online. Many online travel sites offer you the ability to add travel insurance when you purchase your flight or vacation package. However, you can also independently contact reputable travel insurance companies, such as TravelGuard.com

SmarterTravel experts put together a list of tips and advice to make your holiday travels safe – and without financial hazards – throughout the flu season.

Travel Checklist (courtesy of SmarterTravelMedia.com):

• Check your health insurance: Before you depart, check your healthcare provider’s coverage plans in your destination as a precaution in case you develop the swine flu, or any illness, while traveling.
• Consider travel insurance: With so many options out there, travelers are often confused when it comes to policy coverage. Read the fine print and be sure you understand what your policy covers when booking.
• Do your research: Sites such as the Center for Disease Control or your final destination’s local tourism board will have the most up to date information. It may help shape your travel plans when you arrive, so log on before you go.
• Know your rights: If you are refused plane entrance and do not have swine flu, travel insurance may not protect you, so seek compensation from the airline. This depends upon your policy, so read carefully.
• Understand cancellation policies: If there’s an outbreak in the destination prior to travel, check with your chosen airline or cruise line on its most updated cancellation policy. See past examples from last spring’s outbreak.
• Avoid crowds: If you are traveling in a country where swine flu is prevalent, avoid large gatherings and public transportation if possible. 
• Utilize the U.S. consulate or embassy: If you become ill while traveling, they can help in finding health care. Be sure to have addresses and phone numbers handy before you go.

For more information health and safety precautions taken in Mexico, click here.

• The best piece of advice is to listen to your grandmother when she said, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness." What she really meant was, "wash your hands, and wash them often, especially when traveling."