I'm flying on an airline later this week. With the news re the swine flu, should I wear a surgical mask?

Want to make sure I don't become infected. Are the masks effective?I'm flying on an airline later this week. With the news re the swine flu, should I wear a surgical mask?
I'm not sure about the masks, but there are other things you can do to keep yourself from getting sick on an airline flight.





Cabin air on an airplane is recirculated. That not only exposes you to everyone's germs, but it makes the air very dry. If the mucus membranes in your nose dry out as a result of low humidity, you will be more susceptible to airborne disease. So, take a saline nasal spray (in a size approved for airline travel) with you on the plane, and use it frequently, to keep your nasal tissues moist. Also, stay hydrated in general. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, but drink a lot of fluids.





Take alcohol-based hand sanitizer (again, in a size approved for airline travel) with you. Use it frequently. The number one way to catch the flu is to touch something, then spread the disease to your nose or mouth with your hand. Keep your hands clean. Try to avoid touching things, and try to keep your hands away from your face when possible.





Refuse the airline's pillow and blanket. Bring your own small cloth (a hand towel or pillow, perhaps) to cover your seat back, so that your head isn't touching the seat back. A lot of other people have touched that seat back, and it isn't cleaned very often -- neither are the pillow and blanket.





If allowed, bring a small pack of Clorox (or another brand) antiseptic wipes. Wipe down things that you must touch, such as the chair arms and your tray table.





Get plenty of sleep the night before your flight. Like dehydration, exhaustion can make you vulnerable.





And, sure, wear the mask. It's not going to hurt.I'm flying on an airline later this week. With the news re the swine flu, should I wear a surgical mask?
I would just to be safe. With over 75 cases of Swine Flu confirmed worldwide, it is recommended that we all take precautions, like washing our hands often. It has been printed that over a dozen people have died. The Centers for Disease Control have said the virus susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir(tamiflu) and zanamivir. So at least we have medications that can fight it. I have attached some links with more information. I hope this helps and good luck. MC