I just got over fighting a nasty cold and am avoiding getting sick again at all costs. It is noticeable that flu viruses are most common during fall and winter, hence the hundreds of people on the streets of New York City walking around with face masks — and yes, I am one of them, in case you wondered.

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I am currently on the 9:19 a.m. Trenton-bound New Jersey Transit train from New York Penn Station heading to GT’s world headquarters in Yardley, Pennsylvania. As I type this, there is a kid coughing two seats ahead of me and a young woman who hasn’t stopped sneezing since we boarded the train. Neither has covered their mouth or sanitized their hands in this time. This has made me think: As travelers, what do we do to prevent getting ourselves and others sick?

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu and help stop the spread of germs:

1.  First things first, make sure to get vaccinated every year.
2.  Stay home from work or school when you are sick — this will help prevent the spread of germs.
3. On trains, planes, in airports, etc., avoid close contact with people who are sick.
4. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Different respiratory illnesses can be spread this way.
5. Wash your hands — doing this often will protect you AND others from germs. If soap and water are available, singing the happy birthday song is a good indicator of how long it should take you to properly clean your hands. Always keep hand sanitizer in your bag!
6. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth after being on a train, plane or bus and opening doors at public spaces.
7. Disinfect your cellphone, computer and any other immediate tools you use frequently on a daily basis — you can find great disinfecting wipes at any major drug store or supermarket.

I invite you to follow these steps and keep yourself and others safe and healthy!

’Til next time …

— Yasser Ogando, sales planner