Before you board your flight, here’s something else to remember: Ill airline employees are more likely to pass infectionssuch as the H1N1 virus (swine flu) aboard airplanes, according to a U.S. government expert, as reported by Reuters.  

Airline staff can leave germs on many surfaces throughout the aircraft, compared with ill passengers who are likely to remain stationary, said Michael Bell, MD, an infectious disease expert with the CDC.
 
Who’s the biggest threat? Low-paid airline contractors whose small wages and poor benefits make it difficult to take days off.

As the delivery date of the first batch of H1N1 flu vaccine approaches, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security emphasizes hand washing to both workers and passengers.

The potential surge of H1N1 cases in the upcoming months has made the spread of infection in airports and on board planes a major concern.

As a precaution, public health officials suggest that sick people stay home and avoid traveling to help reduce the spread of infection.

Read how a flu shot can protect you here.