Nov 26, 2009 10:06 am US/Eastern
How To Minimize H1N1 Spread Over The Holidays
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
It is the busiest travel time of the year. Airports, train stations, bus terminals and highways are jammed this weekend and will likely stay that way through the first of the year. Millions of people on the road means millions of chances for a sick person to spread his or her germs.
"How many people are not staying home when they should be staying home, That kind of thing. You're always hearing people coughing. It's always in the back of your mind," said Michael d'Amico.
It's also on the mind of flu experts at the Centers for Disease Control. Posters ask people to not travel if they're sick and give tips for staying healthy on the road, like frequent handwashing.
"I do carry a little hand sanitizer with me sometimes when I'm traveling, mostly, because when I wash up in the bathrooms, I just want to sanitize myself as well," said Devin Brown.
That's on the CDC's list. So is getting a flu vaccine, both seasonal and H1N1. That's the best way to keep from getting the flu. ext is avoid touching your face, eyes and nose. That's how germs get into your system.
But what if Uncle Charlie and Aunt Doris have already come over and they're coughing or looking none too healthy?
"Without causing a political crisis within your family, you really want to quarantine anybody that's ill from an area where the people are congregating," said Dr. Clifford Bassett of Long Island College Hospital. "If someone is ill, keep them away from the food preparation area - that's very important."
Bassett reminds folks who already have medical issues to take some precautions when they travel. "If you have allergies, or you have medical conditions, make sure you have your medications on hand in carry-on luggage, especially during the holidays where bags can get lost and misplaced, especially, if you have a condition such as asthma that you require medications to be available," he said.
But perhaps the most important way to keep travel season from becoming flu epidemic season is to stay home if you're running a fever, coughing or feel achy. That's probably the best gift you can give your friends and loved ones for the holidays.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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