Holiday travel: Should you go if you're ill?

WASHINGTON - Everyone wants to visit family during the holidays. But should you stay home if you have the H1N1 flu, and will an airline cancellation cost you?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you do not travel if you are sick with H1N1.

"Only you know whether you're sick or not. Just stay home until you're fever-free for at least 24 hours," says Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu.

"With H1N1, we're talking about a whole different virus for which many of us have no existing immunity. Given the high susceptibility rate amongst people with underlying medical conditions we're going to find more adverse events."

Some airlines will keep you from boarding if you appear sick. If you have to change or cancel flights, a doctor's note might get you out of having to pay fees.

When making your case with the airline, Cheapflights.com recommends you keep a record of everyone with whom you speak. If necessary, ask to speak with a manager or the corporate office.

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