Swine flu Q&A: Planning a trip to Mexico?

— -- Q: What effect has the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the U.S. had on air travel?

A: The U.S. State Department on Monday issued a "travel alert" urging people to avoid all "non-essential" travel to Mexico over the next three months to minimize the risk of spreading swine flu, which can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had issued a similar advisory.

Q: If I'm ticketed for a trip to Mexico, what should I do?

A: Determine if this trip is essential for business or personal reasons. If it can be postponed, consider doing so, just to be safe.

Q: What if my airline ticket to Mexico is non-refundable?

A: Most major U.S. airlines are waiving the usual penalties for passengers who have non-refundable tickets and wish to postpone their ticketed Mexico trip because of the swine flu outbreak. Contact your airline directly about its policies and how you should proceed.

Q: What precautions are airlines that fly to Mexico taking?

A: The CDC has asked U.S. airlines that fly to Mexico to implement a protocol called "passive surveillance." That means airline employees in airports and on flights will be watching for passengers exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Q: What can flight attendants and gate agents do?

A: At the airport, gate agents can notify CDC officials at the airport to check waiting passengers who exhibit flu-like symptoms. On board, flight attendants are authorized to isolate a sick traveler from the rest of the passengers if possible. Flight attendants also are authorized to dispense face masks to passengers who exhibit flu symptoms.

Q: I just got back from Mexico. Should I see a doctor?

A: Phyllis Kozarsky, professor of medicine and infectious diseases at Emory University, says travelers returning from Mexico do not have to see a doctor when they return, unless swine flu symptoms appear.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of the regular flu and can include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, body aches and fatigue.

Q: Are authorities screening passengers for swine flu before they board Mexico flights?