Talking Points: Travel During Influenza Season (February 15, 2018)
Talking Points – Influenza
Copyright © 2018 – Travel Leaders Group LLC. All rights reserved.
The following Talking Points can be used in conversations with the media and clients when
discussing travel during the influenza season. (February 15, 2018)
1. The 2017-2018 influenza season has been unusually severe. No restrictions are placed
upon travelers, however travel may contribute towards the spread of influenza.
2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure to
influenza while traveling.
3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top
priority.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material, and statistics supporting each
talking point.
1. The 2017-2018 influenza season has been unusually severe. No restrictions are placed
upon travelers, however travel may contribute towards the spread of influenza.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines influenza as “contagious
respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness.
Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death.”
o Influenza is often referred to as “the flu”. It should be noted that influenza is a
separate illness from “stomach flu” or Norovirus. These quickly-spreading
illnesses cause gastrointestinal distress and violent illness for a short time,
however, they are not influenza.
Influenza spreads through a variety of ways. Travel is not necessarily more dangerous
than any other activity, but may contribute to the spread due to close quarters and large
crowds.
The CDC notes that that influenza affects individuals in various ways:
o “Influenza viruses usually infect the respiratory tract (i.e., the airways of the nose,
throat and lungs).”
o “As the infection increases, the body’s immune system responds to fight the virus
infection. This results in inflammation that can trigger respiratory symptoms such
as cough and sore throat.”
o “The immune system response can also trigger fever and cause muscle or body
aches.”
o “When infected persons cough, they can spread influenza viruses in respiratory
droplets to someone next to them; persons can also become infected through
contact with infectious secretions or contaminated surfaces.”
2. There are basic precautions travelers can follow to limit their possible exposure to
influenza.
The CDC recommends a yearly influenza vaccine for anyone over 6 months of age
who has no contraindications.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that “Precautionary measures should be
taken to limit transmission. People should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue
when coughing, then throw it out and wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.”
For those flying, Travel and Leisure gives the following tips:
o “Choose a window seat over an aisle seat. Fewer people passing by means
fewer opportunities to catch germs.”
o “Pack a small bottle of nasal spray (often available at airport convenience
stores, if you forget) to stay well-lubricated.”
o “The tray table is one of the dirtiest places on the plane. Whereas the
bathroom is subject to mandatory cleanings, no one is guaranteed to be
wiping down the tray tables between services. Having a small vial of
antibacterial gel or wipes will help you kill any germs in your area before you
even come in contact.”
o “Contrary to popular belief, you should actually turn on your overhead vent.
When someone sneezes, those germs can quickly spread to those in their
immediate area. Turning on an air vent increases air circulation and can
move germs away if you’re sitting next to someone who might be sick.”
3. We are here to assist our clients; the safety and well-being of our clients is our top
priority.
We would not send our clients to a particular destination if we believe it to be unsafe.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may
be planning to travel there and provide detailed information on the situation so they can
make informed decisions for themselves if they still wish to travel.
We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or
internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel
has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers
and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or
travel emergency occurs.
We are advocates for our clients; and they know that by working with a true travel
professional, we are there for them before, during, and after their trip should they need
us – which gives them peace of mind.
By working with a trusted travel professional, we can provide providing alternative travel
arrangements should the need arise.
Our business is founded on repeat customers. Therefore, we want to be sure everything
goes off without a hitch.