Swine Flu: Prevention is Cure for Travellers Woes

Last week 100,000 new cases of the HIN1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, were reported by the Health Protection Agency and it is continuing to spread like wildfire.With many overseas visitors now cancelling their UK holidays the impact on our domestic tourist industry is likely to be more drawn out. The situation also has unhappy implications for the outbound sector.

Mark Parry, website manager for the online hotel review platform and travel agency holidaycheck.co.uk, summarised how the current climate would affect holidaymakers flying out of the UK, " some airlines are not letting passengers board flights if they suspect swine flu. Obviously this puts anyone with a cold or allergy in a difficult position. However, passengers with concerns should definitely find out about the current policies of specific airlines in advance. Generally, careful judgement should be applied when flying on the part of anyone who has any doubts whatsoever about their own state of health." Already 160 British nationals are detained in quarantine in Egypt, India, China and Singapore for displaying flu-type symptoms. British visitors to Turkey have to pass thermal monitors on their way through customs that check they have not got a fever.

British Airways and British Midlands have confirmed they will not allow passengers with flu like symptoms to board flights. Furthermore, those subjected to this diagnostic shot in the dark will not be refunded – they are instead advised to refer the matter to their insurance companies.

In view of all the problems holidaymakers can experience if they exhibit the symptoms specified before they fly it really makes sense to undertake steps to avoid contracting swine flu. Since the virus is passed on by inhaling droplets expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces, these four points relate to simple hygiene.

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Hand washing. Thoroughness and regularity must be your watchwords here. Many people neglect the backs of their hands and the skin between fingers.

Anti-bacterial gel. To be really effective this should contain at least 30% alcohol (the label will list ethanol or ethyl alcohol as the key ingredients).

Use Tissues. Disposable tissues should be binned right after use. Cotton hankies are a no-no since they harbour germs even after being washed.

Disposable paper masks. Most effective in confined spaces i.e in an aeroplane cabin, provided they fit closely over the mouth and nose. When they get moist they should be replaced.


What do you think? Are you worried about swin flu, or just think it's a load of hot air? Share your opinions on our forum here.