KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffHealth warnings for holiday travelers

Health warnings for holiday travelers

By Julia Bruck - bio | email

MARION, IL (KFVS) - It is the season of pumpkin pie, turkey and lots of holiday travel, but as millions of Americans take to the roads, skyways or train routes health experts warn of the spread of illness.  However, there are ways to help prevent you and others from getting sick this holiday season.

"I came into Marion, Illinois for a business trip, now heading back," said Randy Sullivan.

Sullivan is headed home to Minneapolis.  However, to get there, Sullivan will board a few planes just like millions of other travelers this time of year.

"Anytime you are in a contained area with other people you are spreading germs," said Jackson County Health Department Director of Health Education Angie Bailey.

Those germs may give you the seasonal flu or H1N1.  Bailey says that is why all travelers need to take precautions.

"If you are sick stay home, do not travel so you are not infecting those who are traveling in the same area as you, be it by plane, train, or car," Bailey added.

Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention launched a national campaign to help you stay healthy during holiday travel.  Posters are expected to appear at airports and train stations across the country.  The campaign stresses washing your hands often, covering your cough with either a tissue or sleeve, and getting a flu shot.

However, if you cannot wash your hands with hot water and soap, Bailey says the next best thing is hand sanitizer.

"There are lots of different brands out there but what you are really looking for, for it to be affective is that they have at least 60 percent alcohol in them," Bailey explained.  

It is something Sullivan says is now always in his travel bag.  

"I carry two of the small ones in my bag," he said.  "It's something we didn't do before but now as a traveler defiantly."

According to the Transportation Security Administration, all liquids must be in a 3oz container or smaller in order to take through airport security.  Those bottles also must be in a zipped plastic bag.  Otherwise, your sanitizing products will not make with you to your holiday destination.

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