US Customs & Border Protection Issue Flu Warnings

Is it flu season again, or has it just never left?  The US Customs & Border Protection service is issuing some guidelines and warnings for the season, that includes some preparation for the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu).

The service is echoing the position of the CDC, and strongly encouraging everyone to get a traditional flu vaccine as soon as possible.  These shots are available in a number of places, and are generally very reasonably priced.  You’ll find them through your work, at your doctor’s office or clinic, at your neighborhood pharmacy, supermarket, and community center.  If you don’t know where to find a location, ask at a nearby pharmacy or medical clinic.  They’ should have the information about where shots are being offered and will be able to direct you to the right place.

H1N1 shots should be available soon, but it’s recommended that you get a tradition flu shot now, helping to build immunities and get your immune system ready to do battle with all sorts of nasty germs and viruses.

Besides the flu shots, there are lots of things that you can do to minimize your risk of getting the flu.  Most are common sense habits, like washing your hands frequently and coughing and/or sneezing into your sleeve.

If you are scheduled to travel, but feel sick, stay home – and remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free from signs of a fever (without taking medication).  And that goes for the kids, too.  Don’t travel with sick kids.  Contact your airline, hotel, tour operator regarding any travel plans that you have and advise them that you are too sick to travel.  Most have money-back provisions, although it may require a medical verification form.

It’s horrible to miss a vacation because you’re sick, and even worse when you just want to get home.  But it is much worse, and far more irresponsible, to travel when you are ill.  You run the risk of making yourself even sicker, but also can infect a lot of other travelers as well.  In an era where we all talk about personal responsibility, this is a perfect chance to step up and choose to do the right thing for yourself and for your family.

It’s a simple rule of thumb:  Don’t travel when you are sick.

I have never traveled when I’ve been sick with flu-like symptoms.  I’ll muddle through with a headache or the occasional allergy problem, but that’s about it.  My health is too important for me to put at risk.

How about you?  Have you traveled when you’ve been sick?  How did you justify the risk?

Photo credit: SXC