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H1N1 Spoiling Your Travel Plans? Some Perspective on Pandemics

Not so long ago, avian flu brought out the face masks. Now, of course, H1N1 has everyone shaking in their boots whenever someone sneezes. Does the fear of catching something because of recycled air on your favorite airline causes you to think twice about traveling? Are these fears even justified?

When we think of a global pandemic, the biggest fears might be the ones that are being generated by the news media and misinformation that rages like whitewater through a canyon. For instance, the number of deaths from seasonal flu is much higher than deaths from H1N1, but deaths from H1N1 are the ones that receive all of the media attention. However, when you take a deep breath, use a bit of common sense and study the statistics, you’ll realize that it’s still safe to travel.

When traveling, if you want to avoid illness, it’s a good idea to use the same common sense that you use when you’re at home. Wash your hands frequently, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to running water and avoid touching your face. If you do become ill, cough or sneeze into the angle created at your elbow. If you have a fever, stay in bed and avoid going out in public until your fever is gone. Simply put, staying well is more about common sense than avoiding travel plans.

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