Travel Guard, a provider of emergency travel, medical and security assistance services to Chartis customers, is closely monitoring the 2011-2012 Flu Season. Travel Guard will continue to send updates as warranted by future developments. If you have questions about examinations, treatment, testing and care, always consult with your health care provider.
Traveling in the winter season exposes people to others who are sick. Taking extra precautions, such as getting a flu shot and frequent hand washing, may lead to a safe and healthy holiday travel season. Travelers in both warm and cold climates may find themselves touching a surface or breathing in respiratory droplets from a person with the flu virus on planes, buses, taxis, trains and close quarters indoors. According to Dr. William Spangler, Travel Guard’s Medical Director, “Why wait to get your flu shot? I get my flu shot every year and encourage others to be proactive and speak to their doctors about the possibility of getting the vaccine.” The below tips* can help protect people from catching the flu while traveling.
What is the flu?
The flu (also known as influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to further complications and death.
How contagious is it?
The flu spreads when a person sneezes, coughs or talks. Other people can breathe in respiratory droplets containing the flu virus spread into the air. It also spreads when someone touches a surface or object touched by a person with the flu virus.
What is the difference between a cold and a flu?
Both the cold and flu are respiratory illnesses caused by viruses and can have similar symptoms. Colds are milder than flu with symptoms such as nasal stuffiness and runny nose. Colds do not predispose people to severe illnesses like pneumonia. Symptoms associated with the flu are fever, body aches, headaches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose.
How can I protect myself from getting the flu before and during travel?
- Speak to your doctor about the flu vaccine
- Wash your hands frequently or have an alcohol-based rub handy if soap and water are not available
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick
- Try to avoid traveling while you are sick
- “Pack symptomatic medications on your trip,” said Dr. William Spangler, Travel Guard’s Medical Director.
Insureds may contact Travel Guard toll-free for 24-hour flu information and assistance using the number on their membership id card or insurance documents. Insureds may also call 1-800-626-2427 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada or collect/reverse charge at 1-817-826-7258 from anywhere else.
Other Reliable Flu Resources:
WHO
CDC
US State Department
Health Canada
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
NHS Choices – Your Health, Your Choices
BBC
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention