HEALTHY WAYS TO TRAVEL DURING FLU SEASON
The flu can take up to two weeks to run its course, disrupt your work and home life, and leave you feeling lousy. And if you get it during a tropical vacation or important business trip, you’ll likely feel even worse. Even though there’s no surefire way to prevent getting the flu, there are smart ways to protect yourself the next time you travel during flu season
How to Prepare for a Trip and Travel Smart During Flu Season
2 Research Your Destination
Before you pack your suitcase, research the current flu activity in your destination. Additionally, it’s a good idea to find out if your health insurance plan covers medical care where you’re traveling. Lastly, locate area hospitals and other health care locations in the event of a medical emergency.
8 Be Mindful in Crowds
Airports, restaurants, museums, and public transportation are all hot-beds for germs. Rather than avoid crowds completely, be mindful of your surroundings. Use handrails sparingly, wash hands (or use an alcohol-based sanitizer) frequently, and politely relocate if you suspect another traveler is sick.7
10 Monitor Your Body
Once you return home, closely monitor your health for seven days. If you experience any flu-like symptoms, get plenty of rest, drink clear fluids, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Remember, the flu shot is the best safeguard for flu-season travel. Keep your hands clean, allow time for some rest, and monitor how you feel. If you have any remaining questions, please contact your healthcare provider. Safe travels!
SOURCE
1. Influenza Prevention: Information for Travelers. (2016, July 26). Retrieved July 01, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/travelers/travelersfacts.html
2. CDC. (2016, August 25). People at High Risk of Developing Flu -Related Complications. Retrieved August 30, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.html
3. CDC. (2016, May 23). Flu Symptoms & Complications. Retrieved July 01, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/complications.html
4. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Influenza updates. Retrieved July 01, 2016, from http://www.who.int/influenza/surveillance_monitoring/updates/en/
5. Kozarsky, P. E., MD. (2009, December 22). Advice for Patients Traveling During Flu Season. Retrieved February 01, 2017, from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/713704
6. CDC. (2009). Stop, Wash, and Go To Avoid the Flu During Travel. Retrieved July 1, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/media/subtopic/matte/pdf/123009stop_wash_go.pdf
7. CDC Says “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu. (2016, August 01). Retrieved August 10, 2016, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.html
8. Lehmann, B. A., Ruiter, R. A., & Kok, G. (2013). A qualitative study of the coverage of influenza vaccination on Dutch news sites and social media websites. Retrieved July 01, 2016, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679872/
9. Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Flu Prevention. Retrieved July 1, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/basics/prevention/con-20035101