Tips for traveling safely during the flu season
Here are some questions and answers about travel insurance, basic hygiene, and other aspects of traveling during the swine flu outbreak.
Q. Is it OK to travel during the swine flu outbreak?
A: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports “some travelers at increased risk of complications from flu may want to consider postponing travel.” The CDC warns pregnant women, adults older than 65, babies and children under 5, and those with chronic illnesses are high risk categories. If you are in a high-risk category and must travel, the CDC recommends that you talk to your doctor about traveling.
Q. Will I face a health screening if I fly?
A. U.S. airports are not screening domestic air travelers, but you may face screening in other countries. Reports from China, S.E. Asia, India and other countries including having your temperature taken by a walk-by thermal scanner or with an oral or ear thermometer. Many U.S. travelers to China were quarantined during the swine flu outbreak. In some cases, they had no symptoms, but had merely been on flights that stopped in Mexico en route to Asia.
Please note, U.S., airlines have the right to deny boarding to passengers for any number of reasons, including sobriety, hygiene and illness, according to Wayne Harvey, president of the Airport Facilities Council of the International Facilities Management Association.
Q. Should I wear a face mask? How do I protect myself.
A. The CDC says reports there is little information on the effectiveness of disposable paper face masks.
Remember to sneeze into your arm and not your hands to help prevent the spreading of germs. It is important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
The CDC says studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for two to eight hours after being deposited on the surface.
It is recommended you avoid drinking out of glasses in hotel rooms, using disposable cups and bottled water instead. Try to stay away from breakfast bars and other buffet meals where germs can spread.
Q. If I cancel a planned trip because of swine flu, will I get a refund?
A. If you purchase our Roundtrip travel insurance plan and diagnosed with the Swine Flu, then you will receive a refund of any eligible non-refundable expenses as long as your physician recommends you do not travel. A letter from your physician will be required.
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