MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) has the potential to become a global pandemic, warns WHO. Travellers have already brought it to other countries, including France, Germany, and Italy. In Asia, bird flu is also starting to spread, although new cases have slowed until next flu season.
In October, pilgrims will travel en masse to the middle east, and flu season will begin again. Hospitals have already been given guidelines to watch for the diseases, since they both have higher than average rates for severe side-effects. By fall, expect to see guidelines for travellers to help slow the spread of the disease.
Currently, hospitals are advised to consider MERS if they have unexplained flu symptoms.
Travelling? You don’t have to wait for official guidelines to keep yourself safe:
-Try and get sleep, especially when changing time zones. Sleep helps your body function, so your immune system will be healthier.
-Wash hands frequently, take every opportunity to when you travel. A study in the 90s showed that only 1 in 3 travellers washed their hands, meaning 2 of the 3 people you encounter in airports may be carrying germs.
-Pack some colloidal silver to help support your immune system, especially if you’re in a country with water that can make you sick, or food you aren’t used to.
-Cough into your elbow: not only do you avoid spreading germs to others, you avoid putting your hand to your own face and spreading germs to your vulnerable eyes, nose, and mouth.
What precautions do you take when you travel?
