These people caught measles. Who’s next?

Measles is a very infectious disease. It’s so infectious that just being around someone who has it can make you sick. And you can even get it from the air after they’ve gone.

The measles virus.
Image credit // CDC /
Goldsmith and Bellini

Take the case of two travelers who shared the same Chicago airport gate. One was a 19-month-old child who’d received a first dose of measles vaccine, but got sick with measles while traveling. Another was a 46-year-old adult on a different flight who was diagnosed with measles a few weeks later. Researchers say the adult caught it from the child.

While the child could have passed the illness along anywhere at the airport where the two travelers crossed, researchers think that it probably happened when the child’s family was waiting near the gate to board and the adult traveler exited the plane. Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours, even after an infected person leaves. Luckily, in this case, both patients recovered.

Fast-forward to this spring in Washington state. A very sick woman in Clallam County caught measles while visiting her doctor at a hospital that was treating a patient with measles earlier. The virus stayed in the air of the hospital just like it was in the air at the airport gate. After being around the virus in the hospital, her body was unable to fight it and she died. Her death was the first from measles in 12 years in the United States.

Traveling safe includes staying healthy.
Get vaccinated before you get on board!
Image credit // pexels.com

Both stories offer us a few reminders:
• To protect others, everyone who can be vaccinated should be. It only takes one sick person to make everyone else sick.
• International travelers ages 12 months and older should have two doses of measles vaccinations. The odds of getting sick go up if you haven’t gotten vaccinated or aren’t fully vaccinated.
• If you think you have measles, don’t go to the doctor’s office. Stay home and call your physician with your symptoms.

Protect yourself and protect others. Get vaccinated.

Have a Fun, Relaxing and Healthy Spring Break

Whether you’re traveling to sandy beaches, climbing to snow-capped mountains or having a “staycation,” spring break means one thing: time off from the daily grind. With a few steps, you can make sure your week of fun doesn’t turn into a disaster.

1. Research your travel destination

Before traveling outside the U.S., check with your doctor to make sure you are up to date on all vaccinations needed for your destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an online tool that allows you to select your destination and type of trip so you can be aware of the health risks wherever you’re headed.

It’s also a good idea to check the U.S. Department of State website, which can tell you if there are any warnings for countries you’re headed to, as well as information about passports and international travel.
And don’t forget, weather emergencies can occur anywhere and anytime. Before traveling, set your phone to receive alerts for your destination so you are always aware of bad weather.

2. Pack smart

Carry your own stash of first-aid supplies and medications, as you never know when you’ll need them. Be sure to include insect repellent and sunscreen if you are going someplace that this is an issue. Before you go, read these tips for repelling mosquitoes from Get Ready.

3. Check out CDC’s spring break website

Think you’re ready to go? Take one last minute to read over CDC’s spring break website, which has some great spring break traveling tips. For example, CDC recommends that you buy travel health insurance, be careful what you eat in developing countries and only swim in places you know are safe.

Spring break should be a time to let your stress melt away. Enjoy your vacation with these tips to stay safe so you come home relaxed and rejuvenated.

‘Tis the season to get ready!

Flat Stella and Flat Stanley visit Queens, NY.
FEMA/Andre R Aragon

As you’re preparing for the holiday season, the Get Ready campaign reminds you to be safe while traveling. Whether you plan to visit the grandparents or take a winter ski trip, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, disasters and infectious diseases.
 
Through all of the holiday hustle and bustle, let’s not forget how important it is to stay safe from infections and bacteria. The holiday season coincides with flu season, so it’s important to get your flu vaccine before you travel to see family and friends. The last thing you want to do is spread germs while at the Thanksgiving dinner table or unwrapping gifts. Whether you travel by train, airplane or car, you’re sure to come in contact with many people, some of whom may already be sick. Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and make sure to clean surfaces that could have germs on them.
 
While you may be prepared at home and have an emergency kit stowed away, emergency preparedness doesn’t end simply because you leave home. Make sure to pack a kit to keep in your car if you are taking a road trip, or to take along with you on that family ski trip. Also, know the risks of the places you are visiting. Is grandma’s house in an area at risk of earthquakes? Could a blizzard strike while you are on your ski trip? Update your communication plan before you leave home so that everyone knows what to do and who to contact in case of an emergency.
 
The Get Ready team wants your holiday season to be full of joy and cheer, and safe. Enjoy time with family and friends and update your emergency preparedness plans for your upcoming travels!

Tips for staying safe from disasters while you travel

Summer is one of the most popular times to travel. Whether you are traveling on your own or with family and friends, it’s important to stay safe by preparing for potential emergency situations. In our latest podcast, APHA’s Get Ready campaign shares advice for travelers from Michael MacNair, president and CEO of MacNair Travel Management.

Travelers need to consider a range of issues before they set off on their journey, including potential security issues at their destination, unexpected delays and disease risks.

“The biggest thing that is affecting travelers right now is weather,” MacNair told the Get Ready campaign.

To ensure that you and your family are prepared for an emergency before you travel, MacNair advises that you keep the following in mind:

• Make an emergency travel kit that includes a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable snacks, a water purification kit and extra cash, including the currency of your destination country.
• Make two copies of your passport, one to take with you and one to keep with a contact at home. 
• Research your destination for the weather forecast, regional customs, required immunizations and political climate. 
• Keep track of updates and changes from your travel agency or provider.

Listen to the new podcast or read the transcript for more tips from MacNair.

Remember: It’s important to be prepared for anything, especially when you are away from home. Safe travels!

Five tips to travel safely this summer

Vacations are as much a part of summertime as cookouts, fireworks and celebrating the red, white and blue. If your summer plans include travel — whether near or far — here are some tips to help you have a safe and fun trip.

Know your destination: Some areas are prone to earthquakes. Others may experience hurricanes or tornadoes. Know what threats you may face, and then find out how to prepare for them with fact sheets from the Get Ready campaign.

Pack smart: Place a copy of your driver’s license, passport or other travel documents in your suitcase in case you lose the original. Don’t forget to leave a copy with a friend or relative at home.

Put together a portable health kit: Include prescribed medications and first aid supplies. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.

Keep germs at bay: Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to cut down on germs and prevent disease. Learn hand-washing basics from APHA’s Get Ready campaign. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.

Watch what you eat: Pay attention to your health while on vacation. Be careful about food and water to reduce your risks from infectious diseases.

Protect yourself from insects: Stay safe from summertime pests like mosquitoes and ticks. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, dresses or skirts, boots and hats. Tucking in shirts, tucking pants into socks and wearing shoes instead of sandals may reduce risk. Repellents applied to clothing and gear can provide extra protection. Learn how to use repellents safely with these tips from EPA.

Planning ahead and following basic safety tips can help make sure your summer travel doesn't include a trip to the emergency room.

For more tips on having a healthy summer, visit the Get Ready Summer Safe page.