With the holiday travel season under way, the Oregon Health Division issued the following tips for avoiding the spread of the flu for people traveling in confined places like airplanes, train, buses and cars.
- Travel only when you are feeling well so that you don’t spread the flu to others.
- Get vaccinated with a seasonal flu shot and, if you are in a target group, an H1N1 vaccine.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with something other than your hand – like your elbow or a clean tissue.
- Avoid introducing germs into your body by not touching your face.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizer; if you're flying, remember that hand sanitizer, like all liquids, must be in a 3 oz. or smaller container, placed in a quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag, and placed separately in a security bin for X-ray.
- Consider carrying sanitizing wipes to clean armrests and trays on public transportation.
- If you're traveling outside of the U.S., prepare for the possibility of health screening. China and Japan have screened passengers in the past and other countries may do the same if the pandemic becomes more concentrated. To avoid being detained abroad, don’t travel while sick.
- Stay healthy by being physically active, eating a healthy diet and not smoking.
For more information:
www.flu.oregon.gov
