H1NI otherwise known as swine flu has now reached pandemic proportions throughout the world. As it spreads travellers are likely to face long delays at airports because of more checks. People are also more likely to be at risk of catching swine flu when travelling because of the recycled air on aircraft.
The risk of catching swine flu can be avoided by using private air charterbecause you will be flying in smaller groups of people you know. Using private jets also reduces the problems caused by health checks delaying your flight as you will be in a small group of people. You will still have to be checked by you will probably be one of four in a queue rather than thousands.
According to Dr Richard Dawood at the Fleet Street Travel Clinic in London "travel does increase exposure to respiratory viruses and that anyone who becomes unwell away from home may have reduced access to good medical care including antiviral drugs."
The UK Government announced yesterday that there were 100,000 cases of swine flu which was double the number of cases from the previous week. The new cases are mostly under 14s who are being called "super carriers" as they pass on the infection so quickly.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that this strain of flu is the fastest ever spreading pandemic. This particular strain of flu has made more progress in 6 weeks than any previous viruses had made in 6 months.
Many airports are now screening passengers arriving on international flights, with more likely to follow as the virus spreads. For example, all passengers travelling to Hong Kong will be screened on their arrival. This will also involve quarantine and even hospitalization, if detected with any symptoms connected with the flu.
Passengers arriving in Hong Kong are being asked to fill out a form stating whether they have been in countries where swine flu cases have been confirmed, and if they have displayed any flu-like symptoms in the previous 10 days.
In many countries screening consists of passing through a scanning device that checks your temperature, directly checking your temperature with an oral or ear thermometer, completing forms about your health, and providing details about your travel itinerary.
Airlines are also being vigilant. Cathay Pacific crew have been given the option of wearing face masks. However, facemasks are more cosmetic than prevention as soon as they become moist they are ineffective against preventing the virus. Many airlines have told their cabin crew to be vigilant of people with flu like symptoms.
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