The discovery of the Corona Virus in China has put the world on alert. A lot of people are considering whether or not to cancel their travel plans. But if you wish to travel, there are many ways to protect yourself from the virus.

First of all, the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) has advised the citizens of all countries to cancel all scheduled trips to China. This will help to contain the virus and prevent the spread of infection.

The COVID-19 virus was detected for the first time in December 2019. There have been over 75,000 reported cases of the virus in China and since then, it has spread to other countries.

Although the virus is reported to have spread to other countries, China still has the highest number of cases. Other high-risk areas include Japan, Iran, and Italy.

Traveling to China at this time is very risky and should not be considered at all. However, if you choose to go ahead with your trip to any other country including Italy and Japan, you must take the following precautions:

1. Know your risk tolerance

Experts agree that the chances of contracting the virus outside China are very slim. In any case, it is important for people who wish to travel during this period to know the country they are traveling to risk level.

Some countries that have a low-risk level will be safer to travel to. On the other hand, countries labeled as high risk should be avoided.

No matter the level of risk level, China and other South Asian countries must be avoided at all costs. Several other countries are free from the virus that you can visit.

2. Don’t expose yourself to sick people. 

Avoiding contact with sick people is a good way to protect yourself during your trip. This is very important especially if you are going on a plane or cruise ship. Air quality experts have discovered that the air-conditioning systems used in cruise ships cannot filter out viruses.

According to an air quality expert from Purdue University, the air conditioning systems on cruise ships aren’t designed to filter out viruses. Airplanes have better filtration systems and can block certain viruses from getting into the plane.

This may not help much especially if the passenger close to you is coughing and sneezing. Consequently, the use of a face mask is essential.

3. Practice good hand hygiene

Washing your hands frequently is one of the most effective ways of preventing the spread of infection. Do not touch any part of your face without washing your hands first.

Furthermore, you must wash your hands whenever you help someone who is sick. Wash your hands whenever you touch any dirty surface as well as any bodily fluid.

Using soap and water is not the only way to keep your hands clean. A hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of at least 60% can also be used.

4. Take all recommended vaccinations before traveling

Getting a flu shot is a must before taking a trip. Although it cannot prevent you from contacting the Coronavirus, it will protect you from other respiratory illnesses.

Influenza is the most common respiratory disease in the U.S. If you haven’t been vaccinated against the flu, get a shot as soon as possible, whether you are traveling or not.

You must speak to your doctor about your trip so that he or she can recommend other vaccinations that you may need. If you notice any sign of illness, visit your doctor and get treated before traveling.