How to catch the flu in summer

Travelling, that’s how. Getting on a cruise or a long flight makes it even more likely to catch the flu from someone who brings it onboard. This may even lead to an outbreak, such as the case several years ago on a cruise ship.

Although the flu season is associated with the winter months, remember that in Australia and the Southern Hemispheres winter (and thus flu season) is from April through September. And in the tropics, there is no defined flu season.

So if you plan to travel to the south from April to September, or have a vacation in the tropics, take precaution. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends getting a flu shot, and remember: wash your hands, cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, throw away used tissue in the waste basket. Simple reminders but very effective.

One should also be aware of countries where bird flu outbreaks have been reported . Take extra precautions and report any signs of an outbreak or cases of possible influenza.

[Source; IVillage; Photo: AP]

Tags: Australia, avian flu, cruise ship, flu outbreak, flu vaccines, seasonal flu, travel, Tropics