November 23, 2009 10:41 AM
- Text
Avoiding H1N1 While Traveling
(CBS)
Every holiday season, millions of Americans travel through the nation's airports, seaports, and train stations to spend time with loved ones.
Special holiday get-togethers -- and traveling itself -- bring people close together, but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread.
To help travelers avoid the H1N1 flu this holiday season, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched its largest-ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling in general, and steering clear of H1N1 and seasonal flu, in particular.
On "The Early Show" Monday, CBS News Correspondent Medical Correspondent Jennifer Ashton discussed the CDC's tips, and more.
She called the holiday season the perfect storm for germs, with so many people traveling all over the country in such close quarters.
The most important piece of advice; If you feel sick -- stay home.
Wash your hands constantly, and if you sneeze, do it into a tissue or your sleeve, rather than your hands.
More tips: Don't travel if you feel sick. Get vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they you're in a priority group). Try to stay at least six feet away from anyone showing flu symptoms.
If you're playing the role of holiday host, washing your hands is the most important thing in preventing the spread of germs. Soap or any time of hand sanitizer is great to have handy -- especially with children around -- they often spread germs during the holidays.
Send Dr. Jennifer Ashton your question for "Ask It Early"
Dr. Jennifer Ashton's Twitter page
Special Report: H1N1 Virus
Keeping Your Celebration Safe from H1N1:
Large gatherings, such as those that are common for Thanksgiving, are the perfect time for the H1N1 virus to spread. Help prevent symptoms of H1N1 infection in yourself and others by following these simple tips:
Avoid kisses and handshakes to greet friends and family; it may seem distant, but they won't thank you if they get sick.
If someone in the household comes down with swine flu symptoms, keep them isolated in a separate area for care; if that isn't possible, see about having the Thanksgiving dinner in another location.
Wash your hands frequently throughout the preparation and cooking of food, and especially before eating.
Stock bathrooms with plenty of soap -- best in a pump bottle -- and disposable hand towels/paper towels for drying.
Use plastic cups, or make sure glasses can be individually identified.
Shared cups can be a major source of shared germs.
Be sure there are serving utensils in every dish, even snacks such as nuts or pretzels, and dishes guests can put them on, to avoid touching food other people will eat.
Overall though, there's no question that the No. 1 priority is -- if you feel sick -- stay home. Otherwise, hand-washing for at least 20 seconds can be key in preventing the spread of germs. If someone in your family does become ill from the flu, keep your distance from them and possibly try to isolate them from other members of the family, particularly those in high risk groups.
Special holiday get-togethers -- and traveling itself -- bring people close together, but also provide an ideal way for illness to spread.
To help travelers avoid the H1N1 flu this holiday season, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has launched its largest-ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling in general, and steering clear of H1N1 and seasonal flu, in particular.
On "The Early Show" Monday, CBS News Correspondent Medical Correspondent Jennifer Ashton discussed the CDC's tips, and more.
She called the holiday season the perfect storm for germs, with so many people traveling all over the country in such close quarters.
The most important piece of advice; If you feel sick -- stay home.
Wash your hands constantly, and if you sneeze, do it into a tissue or your sleeve, rather than your hands.
More tips: Don't travel if you feel sick. Get vaccinated for flu (both seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 if they you're in a priority group). Try to stay at least six feet away from anyone showing flu symptoms.
If you're playing the role of holiday host, washing your hands is the most important thing in preventing the spread of germs. Soap or any time of hand sanitizer is great to have handy -- especially with children around -- they often spread germs during the holidays.
Send Dr. Jennifer Ashton your question for "Ask It Early"
Dr. Jennifer Ashton's Twitter page
Special Report: H1N1 Virus
Keeping Your Celebration Safe from H1N1:
Large gatherings, such as those that are common for Thanksgiving, are the perfect time for the H1N1 virus to spread. Help prevent symptoms of H1N1 infection in yourself and others by following these simple tips:
Avoid kisses and handshakes to greet friends and family; it may seem distant, but they won't thank you if they get sick.
If someone in the household comes down with swine flu symptoms, keep them isolated in a separate area for care; if that isn't possible, see about having the Thanksgiving dinner in another location.
Wash your hands frequently throughout the preparation and cooking of food, and especially before eating.
Stock bathrooms with plenty of soap -- best in a pump bottle -- and disposable hand towels/paper towels for drying.
Use plastic cups, or make sure glasses can be individually identified.
Shared cups can be a major source of shared germs.
Be sure there are serving utensils in every dish, even snacks such as nuts or pretzels, and dishes guests can put them on, to avoid touching food other people will eat.
Overall though, there's no question that the No. 1 priority is -- if you feel sick -- stay home. Otherwise, hand-washing for at least 20 seconds can be key in preventing the spread of germs. If someone in your family does become ill from the flu, keep your distance from them and possibly try to isolate them from other members of the family, particularly those in high risk groups.
Popular Now in CBS News
- Teen's Facebook Sex Scam
- The Best Pregnancy Tests
- Cyberbullying Continued After Teen's Death
- Eight Delicious Foods That Help Fight Belly Fat
- Which Yogurts Are Healthiest?
- How Long Foods Stay Fresh In Fridge
- Perks of Five-Hour Energy Put to Test
- "Designer Babies" Ethical?
- Could Protein Shakes Harm Your Health?
- Ten Healthiest Fast Food Chains
- Best Low-Tech Cell Phones Suitable for Seniors
- Best Sleep Positions To Rid Aches, Pains
- Can Exercise Make You Gain Weight?
- Electronic Cigarettes: Are They Safe?
- How to Stop a Cold Before It Takes Hold
- Countertop Makeover In A Paint Can
- Cooking Oils That Are Good For You
Latest CBS News Headlines
on Facebook
on CBS News
- Rio police go on strike a week before Carnival
- Earnings Preview: Zynga to post 4Q results
- Most commodity prices fall on Greece debt woes
- U.S. adds more Mexican states to travel warning
on Facebook
- Josh Powell had "incestuous" images on his home computer, authorities say
- Adele sings a cappella for Anderson Cooper
- Adele sings a cappella for Anderson Cooper
on CBS News
