Traveling during Flu season

It is that time of the year again where people are sneezing, coughing and germs are just having a good ole' time spreading from one person to another. FLU SEASON. Germs are easily spread during this time of year and many people come down with the flu. While traveling, there are many types of bacteria that your body can be exposed to and can cause you to get sick. But of course that is why I am here to give you information on how to stay healthy while traveling.

According to the CDC,"The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose". The flu is believed to be spread through droplets, whether it is an cough or an sneeze. Many people also get the flu from touching an surface that has the living virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. Flu season in the Northern hemisphere begins around October and November and can last until as late as May. In the Southern hemisphere flu season is from April-September. During these times the CDC estimates around 200,000 people get the flu a year and approximately 36,000 of those people die. 

Some signs and symptoms of the flu are: 

• Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (very tired)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

People who are traveling are suggested of getting a flu shot two weeks before traveling since it takes the body two weeks to get immune to the virus.Also, while you are traveling pay attention to local health notices. Other tips are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and running water, especially after coughing or sneezing
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the used tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Use alcohol based hand sanitizer

With many people traveling from different places for the holiday season, you want to not only enjoy your vacation but also take all the precautions you can to have an heatly travel.

Seasonal Influenza: Flu Basics. (2016). Retrieved October 10, 2016, from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/index.htm