Don't Let The Flu Ruin Your Holiday Travel Plans

The year-end holiday season is one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. If traveling for the holiday or hosting a family celebration, washing one's hands as often as possible is important to help ward off illness. The Red Cross offers some ideas to help halt the spread of the flu virus during the holiday.

Before traveling:
- If you're sick, stay home. It's disappointing to not be able to join in the family celebration, but act responsibly and stay home to avoid spreading the flu.

- It's possible to spread the flu virus one day before actually showing symptoms. Those who have been in close contact with a sick individual should be extra careful about using good hand hygiene and cough etiquette and very aware of what might be flu symptoms.

While traveling:
- Wash hands with soap and water as often as possible. If soap and water aren't available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

- Use sanitizing wipes to disinfect hard surfaces such as airplane tray tables, luggage handles, cell phones, door handles, and seat armrests.

- Remember to wash hands or use a hand sanitizer before eating any meals or snacks. It's important to remember that you are touching a lot of surfaces that others are touching as well. Make sure your hands are clean before you put anything into your mouth.

- Take personal blankets, pillows, and earphones to avoid using something that may have been in contact with the flu virus.

- After washing hands in a public restroom, turn off the faucet with a paper towel. Then use another paper towel to dry hands and open the door when exiting the restroom.

Have a Safe Celebration:
- The holidays are are all about food, family, and friends. Here are some steps that will help keep the celebration happy and healthy.

- Avoid the usual kisses and handshakes when greeting friends and family.

- If hosting the holiday dinner and someone in the household becomes ill, make sure that he or she can be isolated into a separate area for care, or ask another family member to host dinner to avoid spreading the flu.

- Wash hands frequently, before preparing food, while cooking, and especially before eating.

- Keep plenty of hand soap in the bathroom, preferably in a pump container. Skip the pretty hand towels this year and instead use disposable hand towels or a roll of paper towels.

- Consider putting the glasses away this year and using plastic cups, or provide a way for guests to identify their drinks. Don't drink out of anyone else's glass.

- Put serving utensils in every dish, including snacks like nuts, pretzels, etc. This allows people to spoon out their portion instead of reaching in with their hands.

Remember: Always cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and clean hands afterward. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow or upper arm. Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent spreading germs. Visit the Red Cross for more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency.