By Matt Leingang
The Cincinnati Enquirer

You're heading home for the holidays and the guy in the seat next to you on the plane is coughing and sneezing. Normally, it's bothersome. But with flu season in high gear, it's worrisome.

With good reason - travelers are especially prone to catching respiratory bugs on airplanes, public health experts say.

"By far, the greatest risk occurs to people in crowded places who come in contact with droplet spray from a cough or a sneeze," says Dr. Jeffery Heck, director of the University of Cincinnati's Travel Center. "And there's nothing like a crowded airport terminal or a cramped airplane to make you feel vulnerable."

First off, people who have the flu should stay home, Heck says. If you absolutely must go, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing,

People who are otherwise healthy should keep their guard up.

Air safety advocate Diana Fairechild, a former flight attendant, encourages you to cover your nose and mouth.

Fairechild recommends using a water-saturated cotton handkerchief. This will help block the spread of germs, while also providing humidity for your lungs.

Many passenger planes - especially older models - recirculate air in the cabin. Newer models have fresh-air filters.

Other tips: Drink a lot of water, get a good night's sleep before flying, frequently wash your hands and don't touch your mouth, eyes and nose.

Flight attendants are trained to look for passengers who appear ill so they can do what they can to ease their symptoms and to protect other passengers, says Nick Miller, spokesman with Comair.

Public health agencies, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have not issued any travel advisories because of the flu.

But Heck does have a tongue-in-cheek tip for those really concerned:

Go to Australia or anyplace south of the equator where the seasons are the opposite of ours. The flu season has already run its course.

500 flu shots available at Butler County clinic

FAIRFIELD - At least 500 flu vaccinations will be available today at the VFW Post 1069, 1367 Hicks Blvd.

The Butler County Health Department has moved its flu clinic from downtown Hamilton to the Fairfield location, which can accommodate more people indoors, said Pat Burg, county health administrator.

The clinic will be open 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

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E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com