Taking the kids — and staying healthy

Sure the swine flu news is making us nervous — very nervous — just when millions of us are planning our much-needed summer vacations. But that doesn't mean we should grab the kids and huddle under the covers.

We just have to plan — and travel — smart. So far outbreaks have been reported in New York, California, Kansas, Ohio, Texas, Canada and even New Zealand with the first U.S. death reported Wednesday. The World Health Organization, which has upgraded the influenza alert level, says that given the widespread presence of the virus, current focus should be on "mitigation measures" and urges those who are ill to delay international travel and for those developing symptoms after an international trip to seek medical attention.

Of course, if we are smart, we're going to avoid "nonessential travel" to Mexico, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now recommended. (For the latest information, visit www.cdc.gov/travel.)

No worries if you have already booked a trip to Mexico. The airlines are waiving change fees and cruise lines are temporarily diverting ships. You should be able to either reschedule or get a refund without penalty for your hotel too. (And if you can't, let me know!)

With every resort offering incredible deals this summer, you shouldn't have trouble finding an alternate destination for some fun in the sun with the kids. (Check www.takingthekids.com for daily deals.)

At the same time, it's unclear if everyone is heeding the advice of health experts. Tim Smith, spokesman for American Airlines, says so far the airline is continuing to operate its normal schedule of 42 daily flights to Mexico. "No agency has asked us to reduce our schedule, though we obviously will continue to monitor demand." Smith notes that, so far, the volume of calls from customers seeking to change their Mexico itineraries has been far less than during a severe weather event.

The most important thing, of course, is to do all you can to keep the gang healthy wherever you're going. "Watch the news, since swine flu is an international problem affecting numerous countries," urges Dr. David Tayloe, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, who has traveled widely with his own four children.

Strict hand washing — at least a minute — is key, Dr. Tayloe adds.

"Bring hand sanitizer," adds Atlanta pediatrician and parenting author Dr. Jennifer Shu, editor of the American Academy of Pediatrics' book on baby and child health. "Teach kids not to touch their faces and avoid sick people!"

"The goal is to avoid crowds and close contact," says Dr. Meg Fisher, the chairman of the department of pediatrics at the Children's Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center and an infectious disease expert for the Academy of Pediatrics.

HealthNews Dozen: 12 Tips for Spring Allergies

With the onset of spring, allergens seem to be floating everywhere and attacking innocent people who were - until all of the sneezing and sniffling - happy to see the season change. It is the time of the year that many people find that they have allergic reactions to particular things, and for others, it is that unavoidable time to stock up on tissues and medications that might alleviate the pain and discomfort.

But there are things one can do to minimize allergic reactions and the presence of allergens in many parts of one’s life. If the body’s immune system refuses to cooperate and fend off the allergy-causing substances, it is up to the person to change parts of their environment. Though it is humanly impossible to form a cocoon and hide there until summer, Prevention Magazine has some more realistic suggestions.

The first thing to do is engage in some spring cleaning. Wearing a mask while doing it may keep from being bombarded with dust during the process, but the cleaning is necessary. The artificial heat of winter and lack of fresh air often allows much dust to build in closets and in corners, and ridding the home of it all is the best way to start. However, it is necessary for allergy sufferers to continue to keep the home clean. Once the major scouring process is complete, a weekly surface-clean will keep the home a safe place for overly sensitive senses.

Spring cleaning might be the time to change things about one’s bed to make it an allergy-free zone as well. Special allergen-proof pillows are available at most home stores. And for those who have severe allergic reactions, there are mattresses and box springs that have tight fabric weaves to keep dust mites out.

Another change to the home is to add throw rugs. Even in a carpeted room, buying throw rugs can not only enhance the look of the room but allow the carpet to stay allergen free. And rugs can be easily cleaned in hot temperatures on a regular basis to kill dust mites.

Speaking of laundry, linens, towels, and the like should be washed in water that is at least 130 degrees, something that can be tested with a meat thermometer. If the home washer doesn’t reach a high enough temperature, a laundromat can wash to your specification.

Surrounding oneself with clean air is not always possible, but there are some things to do to make surroundings more allergy-free. In the car, use air conditioning rather than letting the wind blow allergens into the vehicle. Stay away from smoking and smokers, and if one must smoke, doing it outside to keep the home and vehicles free of smoke will help immensely. And in the house, a dehumidifier can stop many dust mite problems, as they don’t thrive in humidity below 45 percent. But if that doesn’t work, installing an air filter or air purifier can alleviate some of the problems.

A less ideal solution is to isolate pets in exchange for not getting rid of them altogether, but that is not realistic for most people who love their animals. There can be “safe” rooms, like the bedroom, however, where the pets are prohibited, which will allow some literal breathing room for those with allergies.

All in all, there are ways to ease the pain of allergy season. Though it may require more work than getting a prescription, it may be worth the better overall health of living in a cleaner environment and protecting oneself from mites and germs.