MASON CITY, IA - With a snow-filled North Iowa day behind them, several travelers line up at the North Iowa Airport; headed for brighter skies and warm holiday destinations
But even with vacation time and carefree days ahead, travelers are running a gauntlet of germs as they try to get there this year.
"We've had some deaths by flu, and it's nothing to mess with," said Disease Prevention Specialist Betty Krones.
Between H1N1 and the common flu, these are uncertain times to be in large crowds and close quarters.
"I was gonna grab a couple of hand sanitizers, but I forgot, so I'll have to be good," said Dave Frederick waiting for his flight.
"I'm usually pretty conscious about it, so maybe a little more," said David Hart about taking steps to prevent the flu.
Local heath experts are urging extra caution this year.
"Try to avoid being around people who are sick,” said Krones. “If you're in the airport and there's someone whose obviously not feeling well or coughing, don't sit by them if you can help it."
Because that's not always an option, it’s important to remember the basics too like hand washing after touching germy surfaces and before eating, coughing into your arm rather than into your hands, and bring hand sanitizer along for the trip.
The TSA says, bring it on; Just make sure it's under 3 ounces, and you have it in a plastic bag when you take it through the security checkpoint.
By far, the number one way to keep the flu at bay this holiday season, is to leave it at home.
"If you're sick, don't travel,” said Krones. “As much as Aunt Grace would like to see you, she doesn't want to see the H1N1 too."
A lot of travelers we talked with, say they aren't too concerned, because they've already received their flu shot.
While it may be a little late for Thanksgiving, public health experts say Christmas is only a month away, and now is a great time to plan ahead.
While the seasonal flu shot and H1N1 vaccine are harder to get right now, public health departments are planning more clinics as more of the vaccine becomes available.
To find out when and where, contact your local public health office.
