Avoiding Swine Flu When Flying

If you are considering traveling during the current Swine Flu epidemic (maybe not) there are some measures you should consider to help protect yourself during air travel.

If you are sick, Please postpone your travel. Unfortunately, many people do not follow this advice. In fact, it’s a good idea for all passengers to postpone any nonessential air travel on public transportation during times of a national or international health emergency, such as the current swine flu outbreak, especially to countries where the outbreak is large.

Minimize exposure while aboard aircraft by keeping the air vent over your seat on low and pointing it so that the airflow is just in front of your face. This may prevent any infectious droplets from landing on your mucous membranes. Most infectious agents gain a foothold in our body through entering the mucous membranes of our eyes, nose and mouth.

Make good hand hygiene part of your travel routine. Good hand hygiene is paramount in reducing the risk of disease transmission. Studies show markedly reduced rates of influenza transmission in public spaces that have alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers. The product should have an alcohol content of at least 50 percent to be effective against viruses.

Consider a face mask. Face masks may help but only need to be used when outbreaks become widespread and are declared a pandemic. The most commonly used simple face masks only filter about 62 percent of very small particles, compared to about 98 percent for professional-grade face masks (these are typically designated N-95). Simple face masks are designed to prevent large droplets that are coughed or sneezed from contaminating the environment rather than protecting the wearer. Bring an extra mask along, and kindly offer it to anyone coughing or sneezing who looks sick. This will keep any droplets from landing on you.

Travel by private charter. By controlling who you are exposed to you can proactively avoid contact with other passengers who might have Swine Flu and other diseases as well. Its your airplane, your air, your health.