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Avoiding the H1N1 Virus When Traveling
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The H1N1 virus has received considerable media attention since its initial outbreak in April 2009 and many travel plans have been interrupted over the last several months. With the holiday season fast approaching it is important to realize that the H1N1 virus is similar to the annual flu virus and it is less dangerous. So, do not panic! By using proper hygiene and avoiding those who are not feeling well, we can get this virus under control.
The following list of best practices for travelers is a compilation of tips from various resources. This list constitutes only general guidance and you must contact your physician for specific medical advice.
1. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly. For convenience during travel, carry hand sanitizers and hand wipes for those times when a sink or restroom is not available.
2. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Avoid spreading a virus by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
3. If you don’t have a tissue handy, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder. People who don’t cover their mouth can spray their germs up to six feet.
4. Make sure you get plenty of rest. During this flu season, it’s more important to make sure you receive a full night’s sleep.
5. Take daily multi-vitamins.
6. Following approval from your physician, keep some Tamiflu on hand and consider including this in your travel kit.
7. Salt-water gargle and nasal swab. Warm salt water is a great way to clean your throat and nasal passages, where lots of flu microbes can hide.
8. Blow your nose- even if you are not suffering from a runny nose, blowing your nose regularly is a great way to “clean it out.”
9. Minimize face-touching- we all do this, probably without knowing it. And each time we touch our face, especially around the nose and mouth, we transfer microbes, maybe flu microbes.
8. Stay home- if you think you are dealing with the flu before traveling, consider staying home. If you are sick with symptoms of flu-like illness, you should not travel. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
9. Stay informed. The Center for Disease Control provides a situation update on the H1N1 virus. You can monitor this flu virus on the CDC website for the latest information.
Additional resources for travelers are available at the following websites:
H1N1 Flu Screening for International Travelers
Interim Guidance for Airlines Regarding Flight Crews Arriving from Domestic and International Areas Affected by Swine Influenza
2009 H1N1 Flu: Global Situation
Questions and Answers about Travelers' Health
District of Columbia’s Department of Health
Maryland Department of Health
Virginia Department of Health
Tonya Fitzpatrick is the Executive Producer of the Travel’n On Radio Show. You can catch her broadcasts every Tuesday at 4pm and 6pm ET.
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