There has been a lot of publicity regarding the swine flu, and countries throughout the world are reporting increasing numbers of people contracting the H1N1 influenza virus.
The following is some advice on what you can do to minimise the risk of contracting swine flu while travelling and also information on what is being done to combat the spread of the virus both here and abroad.
Swine flu spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets, which are expelled by people when they sneeze or cough. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), any person who is in close proximity with someone who has influenza like symptoms is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets.
As one would expect, swine flu does pose a risk to anyone travelling in confined spaces and you can’t get anymore confined that sitting on an aircraft.
Fortunately most modern aircraft cabin air recirculation systems are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters that have an efficiency rating of greater than 99.999% which means they are able to remove particles down to a size of 0.1 microns making them effective in removing viruses including swine flu.
The risk of being infected by swine flu on an aircraft is about the same as what it would be travelling on a train or bus, not completely risk free, but not high risk unless you are unfortunate enough to be seated to someone who is showing symptoms of swine flu and are coughing and spluttering.
However air travellers do need to take care. Being diligent with hand hygiene is the single most important thing you can do. Antibacterial hand gels and disposable wipes are very good as they are portable and can be used at any time. If you are handed anything like a sandwich for example, or you have been pushing a baggage trolley around the airport that other people may have handled, make sure you clean your hands with antibacterial gel or wipe before you touch anywhere on your face.
Masks are also common in some countries particularly in Asia, but just how effective are they in minimising the risk of contracting a virus?
The WHO does recommend the use of masks however they warn that if masks are used incorrectly, they may actually increase the risk of transmission of viruses rather than reduce it.
The problem with masks is that people do not know how to use them properly. The outer surface of the mask will get contaminated and if you touch the outside of the mask, then your mouth without first washing your hands, you will potentially be undoing the benefit of wearing one.
Mean while back to the aircraft and being seated to someone that is coughing and spluttering. It can be a good idea to carry a mask with you if you are ever faced with this situation.
The most obvious thing to do is to move seats but if you can’t, carrying a spare mask may be handy so you can hand it to your neighbour and give them a run down on their obligations for wearing it during the flight.
If you do contract flu like symptoms while you are away, the best advice is to stay in your accommodation if you feel unwell and contact your travel insurer and they will find a local doctor that will be able to assist you.
When you speak to the travel insurer, obtain advice from them on the process of rearranging your travel requirements if you think you may be delayed in the one spot until you are well enough to resume your travels.
It is extremely important to delay your travel if you are feeling unwell.
A number of countries are now using medical screening and quarantine measures to combat the spread of the swine flu virus. In some countries, health and quarantine officials have extensive powers to detain people suspected of having the swine flu and a growing number of people are being temporarily quarantined on arrival into foreign countries.
The Australian Government will provide consular assistance as required to travellers who are quarantined. However there may be cases were legal and practical limits to the assistance consular officers can provide. It is important to follow the instructions of local authorities as in some cases, failure to do so could result in fines or imprisonment.
For more information, contact the Commonwealth Health Hotline on 1802007 or if calling from overseas you can call toll free on +61 8840 28833 or go to the Health Emergency website.
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