JOHANNESBURG – Just when you thought your biggest worry was a last-minute change to your presentation deck, South Africa’s flu season has decided to throw us all a curveball. It’s not just your imagination – the sniffles and coughs echoing through office corridors and airport lounges are reaching a peak.
Let’s break it down: The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) isn’t mincing words. They’re reporting a “rapid increase” in flu cases that’s got everyone from Cape Town to Limpopo reaching for the tissues. But here’s the kicker – we’re not just dealing with one pesky virus. Oh no, that would be too easy.
Instead, we’ve got a viral variety show on our hands. The headliner? A(H1N1) pdm09, the artist formerly known as swine flu. It’s making a comeback tour nobody asked for. The supporting acts include influenza B/Victoria and the heavy-hitter A(H3N2), which is apparently determined to give us adults an especially hard time.
Before you cancel your next business trip, take a deep breath. Yes, the NICD says we’re seeing a spike, but overall, we’re still at “moderate levels” for both outpatient and hospitalised cases. It’s not quite time for business travellers to panic, but it’s definitely time to pay attention.
Bonnie Smith, GM of Corporate Traveller, weighs in: “The key is preparation and proactive measures. We’re seeing more companies build flu prevention into their travel policies, from offering pre-trip vaccinations to providing wellness kits for employees on the road.”
Smith advises business travellers to take a multi-pronged approach. For those sitting near someone with a respiratory illness, the likelihood of infection can soar to 80% or more, underscoring the importance of strategic seating choices. Turns out, window seats are your best bet—they keep you away from the hustle and bustle of the aisle where germs tend to hang out. Research from Emory University showed that travellers in window seats have fewer run-ins with other passengers, which means less chance of picking up those airborne bugs swirling around.
Despite these alarming statistics, the overall risk of catching an infectious disease during air travel remains relatively low, with most estimates hovering below 3%. This reassuring figure is partly due to stringent control over cabin air quality, which rivals that of other modes of transport.
However, airports themselves can be overlooked hot zones for contagion. From crowded security lines to bustling terminals and unventilated jetways, these environments heighten the risk of illness transmission. It’s a reminder that maintaining vigilance throughout the travel journey—from pre-flight to touchdown—is crucial in staying healthy on the go.
It’s not just about personal protection, either. Responsible travellers can play a role in limiting the spread of flu. If you’re feeling under the weather, consider postponing non-essential travel. When you do fly, practice good hygiene etiquette – cover your coughs and sneezes, dispose of used tissues properly, and avoid touching your face.
For those who find themselves battling the flu away from home, Smith offers this advice: “Don’t try to power through. Rest, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. Many hotels now offer telemedicine services, making it easier to receive care without leaving your room.”
Smith highlights the importance of looking after travellers’ well-being, especially considering how travel can affect our immune systems. Factors like being in tight spaces, irregular sleep, and shared facilities all add to these challenges. For companies looking to protect their travelling workforce, Smith recommends:
1. Flexible booking policies. “Allow employees to reschedule if they’re feeling under the weather. It’s better to delay a trip than risk spreading illness.”
2. Encourage responsible behaviour. “Make it clear that coming to work or travelling while sick isn’t heroic – it’s a liability.”
3. Consider travel insurance that covers flu-related cancellations and medical care abroad.
“By including these strategies in travel policies, companies can reduce risks and help employees stay healthy and resilient while travelling. This not only keeps individuals well but also improves the travel experience and supports business continuity, especially during flu season,” Smith concludes.
**ends**
For more information about Corporate Traveller, or to interview Corporate Traveller South Africa GM Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.
About Corporate Traveller
Corporate Traveller is a division of the Flight Centre Travel Group, dedicated to saving businesses across Southern Africa time and money. Corporate Traveller has the benefit of being part of the world’s third-largest travel retailer, leveraging its global negotiating strength. It has access to over 50 of the world’s leading airlines and deals with more than 100 000 hotels around the world to guarantee savings for clients. Corporate Traveller provides clear, consolidated reporting of all its clients’ travel activities, helping them to control travel spend and identify opportunities to save costs.
Issued by:
Big Ambitions
Dorine Reinstein
dorine@bigambitions.co.za
