ShareThisHoliday travel and crowds can increase risks for colds, influenza and lesser-known conditions like deep-vein thrombosis.
But health experts have tips for not catching illness while catching the next flight to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently launched a healthy-travel campaign in response to the swine-flu pandemic that has led to more than 4,000 U.S. deaths this year. Here are some tips:
-- Travel only when you are feeling well.
-- Get vaccinated for both seasonal flu and H1N1.
-- Wash hands often.
-- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
And if you get sick before you travel? Experts suggest you stay home.
"Don't go to the Thanksgiving dinner and infect everybody else if you aren't feeling well," said Oklahoma state epidemiologist Kristy Bradley. "People hate to cancel vacation plans, but really, that's the best thing for them."
A few precautions can help travelers stay healthy, said Dr. Stephen Prescott, president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. "I know it gets said a lot, but that's only because it's true: washing your hands makes a big difference," Prescott said.
"We pass and receive so many bugs that way. Washing with soap and warm water or using hand sanitizer before you get on the airplane or before you eat a meal can do a lot to keep you safe," he said.
Prescott said some cold and flu viruses can survive on surfaces for a few days and even weeks. Washing your hands regularly can reduce your risk of getting ill by up to 50 percent.
Many airports stock hand sanitizers for public use.
Prescott said it also is important to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially when flying because of low humidity levels.
Dehydration can leave your immune system prone to viruses and bacteria, and it can cause headaches and nausea.
And try to avoid sitting still too long on a plane or in a car because lack of movement can trigger deep-vein thrombosis, a life-threatening circulatory disorder.
Bradley urges travelers to get plenty of rest during the holidays.
"It's inherently a very hectic time," she said. "To keep your immune system healthy and strong, it's important to get in a lot of rest."
For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/travel.
(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)
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