angelausp

With the resurgence of H1N1, what are you doing to protect yourself as you travel?

J62

It's far more dangerous for me to drive to the supermarket than it is to become ill from H1N1 while traveling, so to prevent all risks I'm staying home, not even going out of the house.

I'm going to install a radon filter in my house, have my well water purified, my ductwork cleaned of all mold spores, not open the door to strangers, use chemical disinfectant on every surface in my house, sanitize the money in my wallet, and throw out everything in my fridge that's past the "best if purchased by date."

Or maybe I'll just enjoy life and not get caught up in all the hype.

gail

There is growing evidence to support that this virus is spread more by contact than thru the air. So when people complain about how they got sick on the plane because of the rotten recycled air, there is at least as much chance they picked up whatever bug by toucing handrests, bannisters, trays, etc than by breathing. Can't control much of what we breathe, but we can wash our hands or use gel and try to avoid poking at our nose, mouth, eyes.

And before anyone envisions a plane load of masked travelers, most masks are designed to keep germs to the person wearing the mask, not to prevent that person from inhaling germs of others. (That is why surgeons wear masks - to avoid contaminating the patient and surface - not to avoid getting sick FROM the patient)

alanRow

Catch it well before I travel

travelgourmet

I am doing nothing. If I am going to catch it, I am going to catch it. Nothing I can do about it.

One thing I would consider, though, is curtailing non-essential travel to much of Asia. I don't think your risk of catching it is greater there, but your risk of being quarantined due to a case of the sniffles (either your case or someone on your plane) is exponentially greater. Not sure it is worth the hassle. Many of the Asian countries have gone completely off the wall about this.

AnthonyGA

Since H1N1 is simply the flu, I take the same precautions that I always do. I wash my hands regularly, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. I keep hand sanitizer with me for situations in which I'd like to clean my hands a bit when there are no facilities at hand (particularly on public transportation or in other situations where I've touched surfaces that have been touched by many other people). And I hope that nobody near me has the flu (H1N1 or otherwise), as the flu makes one miserable for at least a week and I have no desire to endure that.

angelausp

Recent news stories have reported that U.S. airlines have began to take steps to prevent fliers from contracting Swine Flu including offering passengers anti-bacterial wipes, equipping flights with masks for passengers who might become sick, and keeping blankets and pillows off planes. In my opinion, it is more than just hype and is also better to be safe than sorry. I am following all normal flu precautions such as washing my hands, sneezing in my sleeves, and keeping antibacterial spray on me at all times. I am also considering investing in respirators.