Swine Flu Travel Tips

This is hardly a fun way to end the week, but whatever strange Friday post I would usually write surely pales in comparison to a global pandemic. If you must travel in the near future, please be advised of the following Swine Flu Travel Tips for Mexico and General Travel.

(This document is compiled from several sources, including the New York Times, Consumer Reports and the CDC.)

First Things First – The Symptoms of Swine Flu

Swine Flu presents with much the same symptoms as seasonal influenza. If you contract Swine Influenza, you may develop any combination of the following conditions:

• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Fever (greater than 100ºF)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Body aches
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• A worsening of preexisting conditions
• A wicked case of the unhuggables

If you begin to show any of these symptoms, follow general flu procedures:

• Avoid unnecessary travel/contact
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Consult a physician

If Possible, Don’t Travel to Mexico

Don’t travel if you don’t have to. The CDC currently advises the avoidance of all nonessential travel to Mexico. Due to this and the general circumstances, many travel companies, airlines and even travel agents are discounting or waiving cancellation fees, so don’t feel like you have to go just because you’ve already made the reservation. For more information on this, and tips for battling those cancellation fees, see this article.

Before Traveling to an Area with Reported Swine Flu Cases

If you have to make the trip or have otherwise decided that you’re going gosh darn it, a little smart, easy preparation is essential for your safety.

• Preventative use of antiviral medication is advised for the elderly, young, those with chronic medical conditions, border workers, medical workers, or really anyone traveling to an area with reported cases of Swine Flu.
• Tamiflu® and Relenza® are the only medications recommended by the CDC for the prevention of Swine Influenza. Both are prescription-only drugs.
• Prepare a healthy travel kit including the following:
  • Prescription medicines
  • Antiviral medication
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Insect repellant (containing DEET)
  • Sunscreen
  • Antibacterial hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizer*
  • General first aid supplies, bandages, thermometer and the like
• Identify possible health resources at your destination such as hospitals and clinics.
• Ascertain the viability of your health insurance at your destination. If necessary, purchase additional insurance for the duration of your trip.
• Stop, now, think hard: do you really have to go?

*Remember: Antibacterial gels and sanitizing solutions do not replace good old-fashioned hand washing with soap and water. In fact, the use of antibacterial products is a large contributing factor to disease resiliency. While these products are recommended in extreme cases such as this, people that swear by the stuff every day are just asking for it. Not to mention, they’re hurting the planet.

During Your Trip

Well, you’ve gone and done it. You’ve found yourself smack dab in the middle of the Swine Flu monsoon. But don’t worry. Instead, be smart.

• The easiest tip, and the one least often followed, is to simply obey the law. I know you’re really excited about this beach or that park, but everything that’s closed is closed for a reason. Always follow all public health guidelines and respect restricted areas. It is possible (and legal) for local authorities to request you stay in your hotel room or even leave the country if they suspect you are a threat.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often (hot as you can stand).
• Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough, not your hand. Didn’t your mother teach you anything?
• Avoid sick people. Not because you will get sick, but because they are icky.
• If you feel sick, seek medical attention. Don’t act all tough and proud, and don’t harbor some irrational fear of foreign medical systems. Go to the hospital! Any U.S. Consular Office should be able to recommend a medical facility. Find an Embassy.
• If you believe you may be infected, avoid other people as best you can. Remember, combating disease is a global cooperative process.
• If someone offers you some ABC gum, don’t fall for it. That’s gross!

Upon Return

The average incubation period of Swine Flu is 48 hours, meaning if you have contracted the virus, you can reasonably expect to see symptoms within 48 hours. However, the CDC recommends careful health monitoring for 7 days. If you do start to feel sick, then you should already know what to do:

• Avoid unnecessary travel/contact
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Consult a physician
• If you must come into contact with others, wear a surgical mask for their safety. Consider drawing a scary face on it. I heard that helps.

For more Swine Flu Travel Tips for General Travel and Mexico, click here.

I know there’s a big backlash from the airline industry over what Biden said the other day about avoiding air travel and all that, but they’re just being a bunch of babies. Be smart! Don’t fly if you don’t have to, don’t congregate in crowded areas if you don’t have to, don’t start a pig farm if you don’t have to.

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, when it comes to traveling, common sense will set you free. Have a fun weekend, and be safe!