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Prevent the flu from ruining your holiday travel
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According to a 2009 article in the Respiratory Journal, “in one natural experiment, 86% of those who spent more than 3 hours within a plane with one infected individual subsequently developed influenza. Air travel is thus a very efficient way to produce rapid transmission over very long distances.”
This information makes the idea of holiday travel by air a little worrisome. While the flu is a yearly issue, travelers are especially concerned this year with the outbreak of the pandemic H1N1 virus.
This poses many questions to our Bay Area communities, particularly since we live in an internationally diverse area where air travel is a common occurrence. What can we expect this holiday season as we make our travel plans? How can we protect ourselves?
International Travel and Domestic Travel
While the United States is not screening passengers at this time, many countries are. According to the Center for Disease Control, “the U.S. Department of State usually cannot interfere with the rights of other countries to screen airline passengers entering or exiting their countries, nor can it influence the number of days a traveler is placed in quarantine.”
If you are planning an international trip, it is good to be aware of the delays you may encounter if a member of your traveling party should become ill outside of the United States. Many countries are screening using a rapid flu test (a nasal swipe). They may require you to have your temperature taken (done by a scanning device similar to a metal detector), and if deemed ill, they may quarantine you until they determine you are no longer contagious.
While the Airlines in the United States are not screening, they are advised to take action if a sick passenger is onboard a flight. The recommendations on the CDC website help airlines know how to handle a sick passenger in flight.
What can you do if you find yourself next to an ill passenger? What action will the airlines take?
- Notify a flight attendant of the situation. According to the CDC website, crew members are instructed to “separate the ill person from others as much as possible (at least 6 feet) without compromising flight safety. “
- The sick person should be offered a facemask (N95 respirators or facemasks) or tissues to reduce the possibility of airborne secretions when coughing or sneezing
- Although unproven as to the effectiveness, you may opt to carry a facemask for yourself or your family if any of them are at a high risk for illness
- Use waterless alcohol based hand sanitizers when water isn’t available to wash your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Keep hydrated on the flight
What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus?
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The risk of contracting the flu can increase when flying in close quarters for several hours. Like anything else in life, we have to weigh the risks with the benefits. We also want to maintain a reasonable balance of good judgment and not let fear overtake us.
Traveling to and from the Bay Area this holiday season should be an anticipated time of joy, family, and celebration. Maintain your own good health to keep your immune system viable. Follow the advice given by the CDC for prevention. If possible, take an alternate form of transportation this year if flying is a severe concern. Take the necessary precautions to avoid illness and have a safe, healthy, happy holiday!
*If you plan to travel internationally, the CDC has an interactive map for up-to-date travel health information here.
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