Q: I am a 64 years old man who travels by train for 12 hours. With the scare about the swine flu I wonder whether I can go ahead with this travel. My son-in-law advises me not to travel by AC Sleeper class, which provides a closed environment and you do not know who all are travelling with you and their state of health. Please suggest.

A:That is a decision, which must be taken by you. If you are in good health I see no reason to postpone any work or other plans. Generally swine flu is a mild self-limiting illness that does not bother the patient. In fact the numerical majority of those that do get the infection probably do not know it - think that they have a seasonal cold or cough and get better by themselves in a few days.

However it is true that the chance of getting any airborne respiratory infection is much greater in an air-conditioned and closed compartment as in a plane, train or even a bus. Please also keep in mind that I do not anticipate an early end to this outbreak and life must go on.