Sat watching the news and the H1N1 swine flu virus seems to be taking up most of the airtime and with the school holidays now here, millions will be heading off on their holiday. So the Department of Health are advising people with symptoms of the virus to delay their holidays until they have gone.

Department of Health advice

Further travel advice includes; expect to receive strict screening procedures, take paracetamols with you and avoid public places if you fall ill. Holidaymakers travelling to Europe should carry a European Health Insurance Card and make sure that adequate travel insurance is purchased.

Check travel insurance policies

The piece of advice that I was surprised at was, if you catch swine flu while abroad, then holidaymakers should not travel home until recovered. So my advice would be to check your travel insurance to make sure you are covered, you should be, but, best to check in my opinion.

Concerns on treatment of holidaymakers

My concern is about how holidaymakers are going to be treated, especially if you sneeze or show signs of any of the symptoms. You might have read my airline passenger swine flu experiences post earlier this month and it was terrible some of the experiences people have already gone through.

Media panic but travel safe

I know some people think that the media has blown up the H1N1 swine flu virus out of proportion and to some degree I agree, but, when it comes to your health, especially when in another country, I think it’s best to take all precautions necessary to protect yourself or your family.

• Swine flu travel advice information for consumers
• Airline passenger experiences with the swine flu pandemic
• Check renew date on your European Health Insurance card
• Do not ruin your holiday buy travel insurance
• Tour operators have a duty of care towards holidaymakers

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