Is Your Vacation Safe From Swine Flu?

It’s not just schools that are thinking about the spread of Swine Flu.

Travelers all over the world are talking about how safe their vacation plans are with the widespread H1N1 virus on the loose.  Theme parks are of particular concern for families as they debate whether or not to cancel their trips to some of the happiest places on earth.

Places like Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida are known for their rides and attractions.  But they are also home to thousands of international tourists, crowds and close encounters with other guests and costumed characters.  In other words, it’s a potential gold mine for germs!

Rest assured, park officials at most major theme parks are taking extraordinary precautions to keep their tourist havens safe.  Disney World has installed over 200,000 individual hand sanitizing stations across the parks.  Employees are being vaccinated and taught to closely monitor whether guests they come in contact with show signs of illness, and how to respond accordingly with things like costume changes.  (If you sneeze on Goofy, he’s going to be changing his shirt.)

Experts at the CDC say that theme parks aren’t necessarily any more dangerous than any place else, pointing out that there are numerous opportunities for people to catch the H1N1 virus during their normal day to day activities.

There are, of course, a few things you can do to help stay health while you travel.

How To Prevent Swine Flu On Vacation

1.  Consider getting vaccinated. The H1N1 vaccination is available and safe for most Americans.

2.  Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for Tamiflu before your trip. Tamiflu is a drug that can be taken after the virus is contracted to help combat the flu.

3.  Purchase Travel Insurance. If someone in your party does get sick before your vacation, protect your investment so there’s no hesitation about staying home for health reasons.

4.  Wash your hands frequently. This remains the best way to prevent the spread of Swine Flu.

5.  Carry antibacterial sanitizing gels.

6.  Stay away from sick people. No, really.  If someone is sneezing or coughing, step away from them.

7.  Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of liquids, eat right, and take your vitamins.  Keep your immune system as strong as possible so that it’s ready to fight off infection.

8.  Stay home if you’re sick. Not only will you help prevent the virus from continuing to spread, but you’ll fight off the infection faster by staying home and taking care of yourself.

The bottom line, officials say, is that you should take the same precautions on your vacation as you would in your daily life.

Photo Credit: cote on Flickr