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I thought that you do not catch the same flu/cold twice. every bout is a variant of the virus. After one bout you are immune for about 2 weeks then open for a different strain.

I think we all know the routine for staying healthy but may I add drink lots of water before during and after flights.

Hate to burst your bubble, but drinking water, while very good for overall health and comfort while flying, does not protect you against germs, bacteria, virii, etc. Moving your legs and stretching may help protect you against immobility-triggered blood clots but don't do a thing against the bugs. Furthermore, it is not "a" virus, it is a stew of nasty invisible critters. Every human who is sitting on that plane is carrying bugs and by breathing, is spreading them about. Then the air circulation system does the rest.

Wearing a mask is not so far fetched. There is a reason why hospital personnal do this (it protects themselves as well as patients) and there are great similarities between airplanes and hospital wards.

I wear a mask in the house while putting logs in the fire, scooping the kitty litter, cleaning, etc. because I am chemically and environmentally sensitive (allergies) and it really helps. I would feel kind of stupid wearing one on the plane, but I am actually thinking about doing it while this awful virus is circulating. I fly to Panama a lot and that is an international hub that moves people from all over the world. Same for Los Angeles. Right now, the primary vector is China, Taiwan, Vietnam. Think about the connecting flights that your plan will match up with.

I know what you mean Susan but I suggested it because the air on planes are so dry, it means that the more hydrated you are, the less likely the little critters will stick to the back of your throat and in your sinuses where they will fester. Water is a way of moving them through and out of the body. Hence drink lots of fluids while ill.

Here are a couple of suggestions from "road warriors" that I have found work for me:

if you get colds/flu-like symptoms after you fly, spray Afrin or a similar spray in your nose before you board the plane - and during a flight over a couple of hours.

if you get sinus type infections every time you fly (like I used to, on every flight over 3 hours) take Sudafed before you fly and shoot Ayr or another saline solution nose spray in your nose a few times during the flight.

And, if you can find a French homeopathic remedy called L52 (if you know anyone traveling to a French colony, or France) - it really works! Not made with Osillicocsinum (or however you spell it)... If you take it as soon as you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu - it goes away! Really!

As Susan mentioned, if you travel regularly, you might learn that the plane you are flying on to Belize, just came in to the U.S.from Far East and was refueled and headed out to your destination. What "bugs" are hanging around in the air circulation, water, etc. of the plane. Something to think about and if it worries you toooooo much, head to Belize soon to relax.
KBG

This SARS thing worries me, especially after the news today announced an American jet that landed here in the Bay Area (San Jose, California) had come from Hong Kong and several passengers were sick. I guess it was determined that it wasn't that deadly virus. Whewww! Go to Belize. Avoid Asia!

good to have something new to worry about besides wacko Islamic extremist terrorists blowing up the subway! Thanks.

Ok I spent last week in bed with flu-I have not been on a plane/have not talked to any extremists but this is the sickest i have been in 15 years

First, you have to remember that antibiotics or antibacterial "wipes", soaps etc do not help with viruses. I myself am considering taking a mask with me on the plane since I'm flying out of Seattle, a major hub to Japan. I'm coughed on alot at work and often right in my face and so far have been lucky because I'm sure my immune system is pretty good, however I admit SARS has me a bit concerned. I'd rather look like a paranoid fool than to take a chance with my life. Although admittedly I'll probably just cover my head up with a blanket or jacket instead. ; )
On my trip to Belize in May I did get sick a day before I left. My throat was scratchy and my glands from my ears to my throat hurt and by the time I was on the plane I was feverish and coughing. I'm sure I freaked out the woman sitting in the seat closest to me although I tried hard not to cough. My throat and glands hurt for about 3 weeks and I had a bad case of laryngitis. I still think I picked up a slight ear infection from snorkling and between that and the pressure changes in the planes it just got a little worse. I never did go to a doctor and it finally cleared up on it's own. I never even considered blaming it on Belize, just one of those things that happens sometimes.
Here's a small thought not meant to scare anyone from drinking the water but San Pedro got ALOT of rain the end of December, first part of January...I know that in Jamaica when they get alot of rain like that it sometimes affects the water system..causing flu like symptoms and nausea in some people after drinking alot of tap water. ..could that have happend to the point that some people have developed the "flu" bug lately?

take care not to induce widespread somatic disorders here. may I suggest prozac?