Swine flu implications for travel

Reports during the past few days of commerical planes being diverted to alternate airports, passengers being quarantined, hotels being cordoned off, and of course Vice President Joe Biden's absurd comments have raised concerns among people planning travel. 

Here is an attempt to separate some of the facts from fiction.

Flu, including swine flu, is transmitted by droplets. Unless you are within about three feet of an infected and contagious individual, the risk is relatively small. The primary guidance for managing a suspected sick passenger on an airplane is to try to move other passengers so that there is nobody within 3-6 feet of the individual, to provide a surgical mask for the ill passenger (to prevent their sneezes or coughs from infecting others), and for flight crews to use disposable gloves when handling possibly infected materials from the passenger. The crew also has to alert U.S. health officials prior to landing, who are to make the appropriate arrangements for medical personnel to meet the plane on arrival. The CDC has traveler quarantine stations in about 20 cities, so diverting an aircraft would seem to be an unlikely -- and very costly -- event.

The CDC also has very specific recommendations for cleaning airplanes, trains, cabs, and other transit vehicles during an outbreak. The cleaning focuses on areas where a suspected ill passenger or crew member was located. On airplanes, cleaning with a disinfectant is recommended for all surfaces such as seat belt latches, armrests, tray tables, windowshades, and passenger controls such as lighting and audio.

The flu virus can survive outside the human body for more than 24 hours, but the CDC says that it is highly doubtful that sufficient amounts to be infectious would be present on any surfaces on an airplane or other conveyance after many hours.

If you are traveling, the most practical advice from the CDC is to carry a pocket-sized alcohol gel so that you can keep your hands clean throughout your flight or other travel. Although this does not take the place of thorough hand washing with hot water and soap, it is a very effective interim measure.

For more information, visit the CDC's Travel Notices page, which is frequently updated.

Pandemic near, now what?

Do not get alarmed as the number of confirmed swine flu cases grows in the next several days. It will grow -- by a lot, and quickly, because people are being tested widely and those tests can be performed without sending samples to the CDC. Keep in mind that most of the cases have been relatively mild. In many, people have recovered before testing was even complete.

The precautions being taken -- like closing a school at the first sign of infection -- may seem severe, but keeping possibly infected individuals isolated (such as at their home) is the most effective and practical way to thwart person-to-person spread. Some communities in Texas and a few schools in Northern California have canceled classes already while suspected or confirmed cases are investigated and the schools can be disinfected.

Should things get much worse in any community, major public events may be curtailed and many people will be urged to work from their homes temporarily. This is why having a supply of food and other essential supplies is a good idea.

Do you need to wear a mask? Probably not. If you are sick, wearing a handkerchief or surgical mask is probably a good idea to keep from spreading your germs. If a family member gets sick, the CDC recommends that the individual stay in one room and that only one family member enters to provide care. Surgical masks do not provide sufficient protection from the flu for a non-infected person, by the way.

Can I get swine flu on an airplane? Maybe, but probably not. Contrary to popular belief, the flu virus doesn't circulate very well, especially through many air conditioner filters. Although airplane air may be stale, it is not likely to carry the flu. However, if you are seated next to someone with the flu, your risk is considerably higher. The flu is transmitted through little fluid droplets that don't travel far, but airplane seats are pretty tight. Best advice: carry some alcohol wipes and swab your audio-video controls, your tray table and other surfaces before touching them. Use a tissue to open and close lavatory doors. And, wash your hands frequently. -- Post From My iPhone