Poll shows travellers mildly concerned about swine flu threat

A recent survey conducted by HolidayExtras.com learned that 41 per cent of those participating in the poll were “mildly concerned” about contracting swine flu on their travels.

Nearly 500 visitors to the site were surveyed, with 36 per cent indicating that they were taking precautions against the flu, including washing their hands often. Only one per cent, however, said they planned to wear a face mask when travelling abroad.

Another 22 per cent of those polled reported that they were not concerned at all about the H1N1 outbreak.

Dr Laurence Gerlis, who is a health expert at HolidayExtras.com, commented: “Travellers should try not to go on holiday if suffering or recovering from recent swine flu. Symptoms such as cough, sneezing and high fever should be noted and it is likely that your airline will refuse to take you if you are obviously unwell. You will need five to seven days after an attack to be fit to travel.”

He went on to say: “The UK has a high incidence of swine flu, so you are at lower risk abroad than at home. Take some hand wipes and use them to clean surfaces, e.g. hand rests on planes. This should decrease transmission.”

The physician noted that the vast majority of those contracting the H1N1 flu recover fully, but said that travellers might need to get local medical advice if they fell unwell when they are travelling abroad.

Thanks to www.travelmole.com for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.