• The swine flu virus can spread rapidly in the closed quarters of an airplane.commercial airliner image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
  
  The swine flu is spread primarily through the transmission of droplets that have directly passed through the mouth, eyes or nose while coughing, sneezing or talking. These droplets linger in the air and can infect other people. Large droplets can travel up to six feet, so avoid close contact with an infected person. You can also get swine flu if you touch an object contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth, eyes or nose. It's important that travelers and airline employees who could come into close contact with persons infected with the swine flu take precautions.
  
  

Travelers

• If you are planning to travel, but develop flulike symptoms - like coughing, fever, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, headache, body aches, fatigue, chills, vomiting or diarrhea - postpone your trip until at least 24 hours after your fever subsides. It is also wise to investigate current flu outbreaks in your area of travel. Get a swine flu vaccination at least two weeks before your trip. It can help ward off the illness. Consider purchasing travel insurance, as travel delays or quarantines may become costly if they last for several days.
  
  

Airline Employees

• Airline employees who come into contact with an ill person should keep interactions as brief as possible. They should supply a face mask to the traveler or ask that the person cough or sneeze into a tissue. They should also provide a plastic bag for tissue disposal. Airline workers must isolate persons who are ill and quarantine those who have been exposed. The aircraft air conditioning or ventilation should continue operating for maximum air circulation until all passengers and airline personnel have disembarked. Airline personnel should maintain unoccupied seats on the aircraft to isolate sick passengers or crew members. If a member of the crew becomes ill, following company policy regarding onset of illness or incapacitation during flight operations is necessary. Airline employees who get swine flu are to stay home from work and return to work only after the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. It is important for airline workers to keep up with training and education on swine flu risk factors, protective behaviors and information.
  
  

Prevention

• To help reduce your risk of contracting the swine flu while flying, wash your hands frequently. Use soap or a hand sanitizer. Don't touch potentially contaminated items or surfaces. Wearing gloves or face masks, avoiding contact with people who are sick and not touching your eyes, mouth or nose can also help reduce your risk of swine flu. Seasonal flu vaccines are recommended, as is following public health advice if there is a swine flu outbreak.