7 Ways to Avoid Swine Flu When Travelling
In the past month media coverage of the H1N1 swine flu virus has died down significantly, and the UK and the US no longer advise against travel to Mexico. In some ways the world is beginning to look safe again, and the numbers of people travelling abroad are beginning to bounce back to normal levels.
However, travelling to any badly affected region will still have its risks. With the amount of people you are likely to have contact with and the amount of busy crowds you may walk through, it is important to take precautions.
Many travellers will wonder where they should and shouldn't travel and what they should and shouldn't do to protect themselves. To answer their questions, below are 7 ways to stay safe from swine flu when travelling this summer.
Image credit: Flickr
1. Where to travel
The World Health Organisation is no longer advising against travel to any country in the world, if you are healthy. This does not, however, mean every country is of equal risk. You can find the latest figures for the numbers of swine flu affected in every country.
The greater the number of cases per million people, the greater the risk of infection in that country. To be as safe as possible, choose a country with a lower number. If you must visit a country that has been heavily affected by swine flu then research what medical provisions, hospitals and stocks of anti-flu drugs are available in that country, just in case.
2. When to travel
One of the most important pieces of swine flu advice for travellers is when to decide not to travel altogether. Crucially, those who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, runny nose, headache and body aches are advised to stay home as a courtesy to other travellers.
Most of us have heard on the news that the majority of people to die from swine flu have suffered complications, or have been in a high-risk group. Children younger than five, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a chronic medical condition should be selective as to when or if they travel at the moment.
Additionally, a resurgence of the swine flu virus is expected during the winter months when diseases normally spread more rapidly. As such, avoid booking a winter holiday now if possible.
3. Stay germ free
Swine flu spreads via contact with the virus, either through airborne particles or the surfaces that the have settled upon. As such, after using public transport or other facilities be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, preferably with an anti-bacterial alcohol gel. Stay away from crowds if at all possible and if you are flying, do not use the pillows that the aeroplane provides as these are often reused over several flights.
Don't worry about wearing masks – they look ridiculous and when you're a tourist, it seems to imply that you think the local population are infected. Moreover, the UK's Foreign Office states “There is little evidence of the effectiveness of wearing masks” so if they provide little benefit why stir panic by wearing one? Staying away from busy crowds is a far better way to avoid the disease.
4. Avoid touching your nose/mouth/face
If the disease doesn't spread via airborne particles then it will often do so as a result of people who have touched infected surfaces going on to touch their face before washing their hands. If you shake hands with someone who has the disease and then touch your face afterwards, you may be at risk of contracting it. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
5. Avoid sick people
It's common sense really: if someone is indiscriminately coughing and sneezing everywhere, exhibiting flu like symptoms all over the departure lounge, then stay away from them.
6. Make sure you have travel insurance
This speaks for itself. Very few people who contract swine flu die, provided they receive proper health care in time. The best way to ensure this if you are travelling abroad, especially if you are travelling outside of the EU, is to take out a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
7. After you've travelled...
If you visited a highly affected area, then you will want to keep an eye out for a week after you've returned to make sure that you don't exhibit symptoms. If you do then limit contact with other people and seek medical advice.
However, travelling to any badly affected region will still have its risks. With the amount of people you are likely to have contact with and the amount of busy crowds you may walk through, it is important to take precautions.
Many travellers will wonder where they should and shouldn't travel and what they should and shouldn't do to protect themselves. To answer their questions, below are 7 ways to stay safe from swine flu when travelling this summer.
Image credit: Flickr
1. Where to travel
The World Health Organisation is no longer advising against travel to any country in the world, if you are healthy. This does not, however, mean every country is of equal risk. You can find the latest figures for the numbers of swine flu affected in every country.
The greater the number of cases per million people, the greater the risk of infection in that country. To be as safe as possible, choose a country with a lower number. If you must visit a country that has been heavily affected by swine flu then research what medical provisions, hospitals and stocks of anti-flu drugs are available in that country, just in case.
2. When to travel
One of the most important pieces of swine flu advice for travellers is when to decide not to travel altogether. Crucially, those who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, runny nose, headache and body aches are advised to stay home as a courtesy to other travellers.
Most of us have heard on the news that the majority of people to die from swine flu have suffered complications, or have been in a high-risk group. Children younger than five, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a chronic medical condition should be selective as to when or if they travel at the moment.
Additionally, a resurgence of the swine flu virus is expected during the winter months when diseases normally spread more rapidly. As such, avoid booking a winter holiday now if possible.
3. Stay germ free
Swine flu spreads via contact with the virus, either through airborne particles or the surfaces that the have settled upon. As such, after using public transport or other facilities be sure to wash your hands thoroughly, preferably with an anti-bacterial alcohol gel. Stay away from crowds if at all possible and if you are flying, do not use the pillows that the aeroplane provides as these are often reused over several flights.
Don't worry about wearing masks – they look ridiculous and when you're a tourist, it seems to imply that you think the local population are infected. Moreover, the UK's Foreign Office states “There is little evidence of the effectiveness of wearing masks” so if they provide little benefit why stir panic by wearing one? Staying away from busy crowds is a far better way to avoid the disease.
4. Avoid touching your nose/mouth/face
If the disease doesn't spread via airborne particles then it will often do so as a result of people who have touched infected surfaces going on to touch their face before washing their hands. If you shake hands with someone who has the disease and then touch your face afterwards, you may be at risk of contracting it. Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
5. Avoid sick people
It's common sense really: if someone is indiscriminately coughing and sneezing everywhere, exhibiting flu like symptoms all over the departure lounge, then stay away from them.
6. Make sure you have travel insurance
This speaks for itself. Very few people who contract swine flu die, provided they receive proper health care in time. The best way to ensure this if you are travelling abroad, especially if you are travelling outside of the EU, is to take out a comprehensive travel insurance plan.
7. After you've travelled...
If you visited a highly affected area, then you will want to keep an eye out for a week after you've returned to make sure that you don't exhibit symptoms. If you do then limit contact with other people and seek medical advice.
Labels: swine flu, travelling
posted by Admin at
08:11
0 Comments
