It is that horrible time of the year now, when Christmas is over and all the Christmas lights have come down, but we still have to endure the freezing cold weather and scraping the frost off the car. And we all know what that means – cold and flu bugs. People are having their flu vaccinations at the moment, but this winter we also have the added threat of swine flu. So what does this mean for us travelling abroad on the confined space of an aeroplane, a coach or a cruise ship? Especially as we are all getting more adventurous in the distances that we travel for our annual holiday. I found some useful tips for staying flu free in the following blog.
The most important thing, that we have all heard before, is to only travel when you are well. However, this is obviously easier said than done, when you have been looking forward to your holiday for a long time.
Going on a long journey when you are already feeling quite ill may set back your recovery and could put other travellers at risk of infection. The other precautionary measures you have probably also heard before, but are worth remembering to pack the tissues and alcohol gel etc when you plan for your trip.
>Washing hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, containing at least 60 percent alcohol
>Covering your coughs and sneezes with tissues and disposing of the tissues straightaway
Flu and Flying
Crowded planes aren’t just a nuisance; they can actually increase your chances of infection, according to a review of studies published in 2005 in the British medical journal The Lancet. However, the report concluded that with commercial airlines the “perceived risk is greater than the actual risk.” Ventilation is the key as it is a myth that all of the air in an airplane is recycled. Typically, about half of the air is fresh, brought in by the engines when the plane is in flight and the air that is recirculated passes through high efficiency particulate (HEPA) air filters, which should catch most virus-containing particles.
Nonetheless, the tight confine of a plane is a likely place for you to get ill, and more study is needed to fully understand the risk. However, there are some extra precautions you can take this flu season, from this blog (link):
> Carry antibacterial wipes. Use the wipes to clean the plastic armrests and tray-table.
> Pack a medical travel kit. Be sure to bring a full supply of your prescription medicines when you travel. For flu, also include some medications for fever and pain. Pack your medications in their original bottles in your carry-on bag. See www.allclear4you.com for more information on preparing your medications for your holidays, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition
> Ensure you have valid travel insurance, including for any pre-existing medical condition, in case you do become ill and need to cancel your plans, or need hospitalisation or other treatment. Otherwise you risk an expensive medical bill. Take a look here for an AllClear quote . See this blog for some examples of typical medical costs abroad. If the worst happens and you fall ill abroad, you will want to know that you have the right insurance policy and company behind you to make the best of a bad situation
