Traveling To
Anna Maria Island With Baby During H1N1...
Sponsored by Anna Maria Island Baby Rentals and Anna Maria Island Vacation Accommodations.
Traveling during flu season is no joke, especially when traveling with your baby or young child.
This year too is of particular concern due to the H1N1 scare and the fact that young children are among the 'most at risk' of getting sick... or worse.
With the holiday season around the corner and so many people preparing to travel to places like Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key (on the Gulf coast of Florida), its hard not to think about the risks.
With H1N1 in the news virtually every day, its worth the effort to consider just how this years flu season may or may not affect your family vacation.
The best defense against any flu or communicable illness is the same when traveling as any other time... wash your hands often. Of course since the Swine Flu outbreak (earlier this year), many places have taken the precaution of posting signs and even having hand sanitizers handy at entrances and exits.
As for young children? Make them aware of the importance of hand washing, it is the best defense!
Pay particular attention to coughing, sneezing strangers when in close proximity, and if 'flying' to your vacation destination take note of the following advice posted on a well know medical website.
Wash your hands, yes!
- Also, as an extra precaution and to enhance your hygiene routine, stash a bottle of hand sanitizer in your carry-on. In fact keep it with you at all times once you reach your destination.
- As long as your hand sanitizer container holds 3 ounces or less and is stowed in a clear 1 quart-sized plastic zip-top bag, you're cleared for take-off.
- Use sanitizer before you eat or drink and after you've touched surfaces in the plane, like the overhead bins.
An airplane may feel like a germ-trap. You're stuck inside of a tube with hundreds of strangers for hours at a time, some coughing and sneezing.
- You may have little control over your seating situation and worry that you'll catch something in the air. But you can breathe a sigh of relief. The re-circulated air inside of an airplane passes through a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) filter before it comes into the cabin, minimizing passengers' exposure to potential pathogens.
If possible, bring along your own travel pillow and blanket.
- More than ever, in-flight comfort gets compromised for the sake of economy - and sometimes for hygienic reasons. So, whether you're getting cozy in coach or stretched out in first, you'll notice that fewer airlines offer free pillows and blankets to their passengers.
- You probably wouldn't want to snuggle under a communal blanket anyway if you're worried another passenger may have used it as a hankie.
- You can find ones these days that can be balled-up into small carry-on-friendly pouches.
Stay hydrated, skip the alcohol and coffee.
- Water is always your best option, or a vitamin C-packed orange juice.
- When you're dehydrated, your nose and throat may become dry and more vulnerable to invading infections.
- If you're prone to dry nose, bring along a regulation-sized (3 ounces or less) bottle of saline nose spray stowed in a clear 1 quart-sized plastic zip-top bag, and bring along gum or sucking candies to keep your mouth moist when the beverage carts are put away.
If you need to fly but you have a mild flu or cold, be considerate of your fellow passengers by practicing stringent hygiene habits.
- Washing or sanitizing your hands often.
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching too many shared surfaces.
- If you want to wear a mask or respirator to protect others from your germs, be sure to follow the instructions for proper use.
If your sick or contagious, for your own health and the health of your fellow passengers, you might decide to skip your flight contagious.
- The problem is, most tickets are non-refundable and airlines have different policies for handling requests to change or delay a flight.
- Many airlines make exceptions in the case of the death of a customer or immediate family member or travel companion, but otherwise, requests to change travel plans are handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Some airlines charge a change fee, while others will waive the fee if you provide a doctor's note. Still others will waive the fee if you go to the airport to travel and an airline representative deems you too ill to board.
- This fee-for-all mess makes a strong case for considering travel insurance.
If you travel often for business or pleasure, you might want to consider getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus.
- When making your travel plans, keep in mind that it takes your body about 10 days to develop an immune response to the vaccinations.
In any case, if you are looking forward to your Florida vacation, you don't have to cancel due to H1N1.
Instead, simply use common sense in taking whatever precautions are necessary to ensure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable stay on Anna Maria Island or Longboat Key.
Traveling During Flu Season - Traveling To Anna Maria Island With Baby During H1N1, was provided by Anna Maria Island Baby Rentals and Anna Maria Island Vacation Accommodations.
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