The AH1N1 flu virus has received much media attention as it is highly contagious. It can also cause death in high risk groups such as children, pregnant women, the elderly and those suffering from medical ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, obesity and other medical problems. The deaths are not from the virus itself but the H1N1 virus can intensify present medical conditions and frequently cause other problems such as pneumonia, leading to death.
Another reason that the H1N1 flu is much feared is because scientists have found that this new strain of H1N1 virus is quite unstable and may mutate to become even more stronger and deadly. Experts are monitoring the progress of the virus and report in late July that so far the virus is not mutating to something more dangerous. Even so, the experts are vigilant and are continuously tracking the flu spread around the world.
Many attempts were made to contain the so-called 'swine flu' virus but with the advent of fast and efficient modern transportation systems such as airplanes, ships, trains and cars, the AH1N1 virus began to disperse to other countries rapidly.
So how do you travel during a H1N1 Pandemic?
If you can't avoid traveling, especially to an area where the H1N1 virus is rampant, you must take proper precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe.
Taking Care of Your General Health
The most important thing is to take care of your general health. Exercise regularly and eat a proper diet with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and plain water. Cut down on high cholesterol and sugary products such as soft drinks, sweet treats and fast food. Remember, obesity is one of the high risk groups for H1N1-related deaths.
Taking Care of Your Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene care is most important as the virus can spread through contact with a contaminated surface such as a door handle, railings, table surfaces and so forth. Wash your hands with an antiseptic hand-wash frequently, especially after going to public places such as toilets, restaurants and sitting on public transport.
Carry Antiseptic Wipes and Tissues
Carry antiseptic hand-wipes or tissues to wipe your hands after touching doors, tables, escalator handholds, turnstiles, public phone booths and other surfaces in public areas. The H1N1 virus can linger on any surface for more than a few hours and you may get infected through contact.
Avoid Crowded Area and Wear a Face Mask If You Can't
Try to avoid crowded areas such as cinemas, discos, shopping malls and markets if you can. If you have to go to a crowded area, wear a face mask. Disposable face masks are readily available in pharmacies. One of the best type of masks to wear would be the N95 face masks.
Don't Touch Your Mouth and Nose
Try to avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose, when in public places. You may have touched a contaminated surface and may transfer the H1N1 virus unknowingly to yourself. Wearing a face mask might help to remind you to not touch your face.
Visit a Doctor and Then Stay at Home If You Are Ill
If you are sick and suspect that you have the H1N1 influenza, then go to a doctor to seek treatment. Once you have been to the doctors, stay at home while you recuperate if your condition is not serious. Usually, those who are in the high risk groups or who begin to show symptoms of other medical conditions such as pneumonia will be warded at the hospital for further treatments.
Know the Local Emergency Numbers and the Hospital
If you are traveling in a foreign country, it is prudent to know the local emergency numbers for an ambulance and the nearest hospital in case of emergencies. If you show signs of a flu, go to the nearest hospital immediately to seek treatment. Later, if you are not hospitalized, stay at your hotel room to recuperate.
Know Your Travel and Medical Insurance Plans
You may have travel or medical insurance plans that can cover the cost of medical treatment in a foreign country. Before you leave your country to go traveling, do check with your insurance agent that you are covered in case of a H1N1 emergency during your travels. Medical costs can be expensive in another country and you must be prepared in case of an emergency.
As a conclusion, though there is no 100% guarantee that you will not be infected by the H1N1 virus despite taking all the necessary precautions, it is still crucial that you do so to minimize the risks of infection to yourself and other people. No one knows for sure how long this pandemic will last, whether it will continue to haunt us into the future or whether it will be gone come next summer.
Whatever the case, don't take a lackadaisical attitude to the H1N1 flu because though you may not be in the high risk group, you could be endangering children, expectant mothers, senior citizens and other people.
The author of this article is a frequent traveler and has traveled extensively in her own country and abroad. If you want to read other writings by this author, you can visit http://www.malaysia-tourist-attractions.com
