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TRAVEL TOOLS
Protecting Yourself from H1N1
The H1N1 virus, the so-called Swine Flu, is a completely new strain and therefore our immune systems do not recognize it. While it is not more dangerous than past flu epidemics, it can strike and spread faster than usual because our bodies do not have even a partial resistance to it.
Since H1N1 first appeared in the USA in April 2008, the Center for Disease Control estimates that over one million Americans have been infected – half of them under the age of 25. Especially vulnerable are children, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems. Frequent travelers are also at added risk.
The most important precautions you can take are: 1) get vaccinated. Flu shots should be available in quantity in October. If money is an issue, public vaccination programs have been ordered so that no one goes unvaccinated due to financial need; 2) wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and get in the habit of NOT touching your nose, mouth and eyes; 3) consider carrying a small bottle of antibacterial liquid with you when it is inconvenient to wash; and 4) use a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.
If you do catch the flu, don’t be caught by surprise. Don’t go to work. You will need to stay at home until you are recovered, and you will need to segregate yourself from others – this is a highly infectious disease. Consider staying home a full 24-hours after the cessation of fever. If your child comes down with the flu, you will need to have a contingency plan so that there is someone able to stay home and care for him or her. Flu sufferers need lots of rest and fluids. Talk to your doctor about the advisability of taking antiviral drugs or fever-reducing medicines. One caveat: children who have fevers should not take aspirin as in rare cases it can have serious side effects.
When you travel, added fatigue, proximity to people and frequent handshaking put you at a greater risk of catching the flu. Do not crawl onto an airplane with a fever. You absolutely need to stay put until you are recovered. Take extra funds with you to tide you over and don’t hesitate to contact a local doctor if you feel you are really ill.
And pass these precautions along. The more everyone knows about avoiding the flu, the better off we all will be.
HOW TO DIAL EMERGENCY ABROAD:
Emergencies can happen any time, any place. Be prepared when travelling by knowing the right number to call for help.
| All EU countries 112 |
Mexico 060 |
| Argentina 911 |
New Zealand 111 |
| Australia 000 |
Switzerland 144 |
| Canada 911 |
Thailand 191 |
| Hong Kong 999 |
United Kingdom 999 |
| Israel 100 |
United States 911 |
| Japan 119 |
Vanuatu 112 |
HOW FLAT IS FLAT?
Many airlines have introduced "lie-flat" or "flat-bed" seats in their business and first class cabins, but don't assume that "flat" translates to horizontal. For in-depth analysis of airline seats on a range of carriers, turn to www.flatseats.com, an industry watchdog site that ranks seats on factors such as configuration, width, cushion comfort, privacy, massage options and more. FlatSeats' data comes from Skytrax, a UK-based airline consultancy whose employees spend an average of 65 hours in the air per week.
- 163 degrees - Aer Lingus
- 169 degrees - El Al
- 170 degrees - Continental, Japan Airlines
- 171 degrees - American, Lufthansa
- 175 degrees - Air France, Qantas
- 180 degrees - Air Canada, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Jet Airways, Qatar, Singapore, South African, United, Virgin.
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