The H1N1 virus has spread its tentacles to just about every corner of the world. No country seems safe for now.
However, flu is almost ridiculously easy to avoid, assuming the right precautions are taken. The tips below are intended to prepare the traveler for an affected country, without getting in the way of the trip itself.
1. Stay informed with all the updates.
The H1N1 virus that caused the current pandemic has the potential to mutate rapidly, so up-to-the-minute updates are absolutely essential for your trip. Most well-traveled areas in the world have a decent Internet connection, so you can access sites like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's H1N1 Information Page with no trouble. The CDC's page on the virus contains updated information on flu news, travel precautions, and other advice. Watch that space.
2. Always keep your hands clean.
Always wash your hands - use soap and water immediately after coughing or sneezing, or after touching anything or anyone suspect. The CDC recommends you wash with soap and warm water for up to 20 seconds.
When you're on the go, when clean water and soap aren't within easy reach, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be just as effective. You just need to pour this onto your hands and rub until dry. Many urban areas have convenience stores that sell handy packets of hand sanitizer, cheap. If you feel that the country may not have such products, make sure you pack a supply that will last you for the duration of your trip.
3. Keep your surrounding sanitized.
As a traveler, you can't always be in control of your surroundings, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. Hand-to-hand spread of viruses may occur when you touch objects that have just been handled by an infected person.
When you're in an uncertain situation, it's time to whip out the wipes, which may happen fairly often; wipe down phones or other objects that have been handled by others.
4. Eat, sleep and take your vitamins regularly.
Keep your immune system strong by getting enough sleep, exercise, water, and a diet rich in fruit and vegetables. Ensure that the fruit and vegetables are washed properly ( depending on which part of the world your are traveling in). Make sure you're well-rested before any major trip - stress and lack of sleep may increase your susceptibility to the flu virus. Remember a serious dose of vitamins may boost your health and prevent flu infection.