Summer is a busy time for travel. For years, people have wondered whether they are safe from viruses when they travel in small, enclosed areas. They worry about close contact with others who may be sick.
The current spread of a swine flu(猪流感) virus has added to these concerns. Recently, the World Health Organization raised its warning about the new H1N1 virus to its highest level. W.H.O. Director-General Margaret Chan declared the sickness a pandemic–a disease that has spread to many nations. Given this information, many people want to know how safe it is to travel?
The answers people are getting may seem conflicting. For example, a W.H.O. statement urged nations not to close their borders or limit trade and travel. Director-General Chan said cases are generally not that serious for most people. Still, W.H.O. officials continue to report new cases across the world.
In the past, the W.H.O. and experts noted guidance for disease spread on airplanes. The experts said you could get infected only if you sit within two rows of someone who is sick. That would be a distance of up to three meters from the sick person. And this was true only if you sat there for more than eight hours.
But a travel-health expert says this guidance may not be helpful for swine flu. He suggests steps that could help prevent getting swine flu on an airplane. His advice includes keeping the airflow over your seat on the “low” position. The doctor says you should point the equipment so the flow of air is just in front of your face.
Doctors say anyone with pain, swelling(肿胀) or red skin on a leg during or after a long trip may have a blood clot(凝块). Anyone with such signs should see a doctor as soon as possible. The condition many times can be treated with drugs that thin the blood and stop the clot from moving through the body.
68．The underlined word “conflicting” is closest in meaning to ________.
A. in disagreement B. not true C. the same D. unbelievable
69．According to Director-General Chan, the swine flu is ________.
A. a disease spread on airplanes B. a very dangerous disease
C. a disease requiring limit travel D. a widely spread disease
70．Which of the following is the travel-health expert’s opinion on traveling in an airplane?
A. It’s safe to sit within two rows of a sick person.
B. It’s helpful to keep air flowing right before your face.
C. It’s important for a passenger to stay in a plane within 8 hours.
D. It’s certain that a passenger will have a blood clot after a long flight.
71．What would be the best title for the text?
A. Stop Traveling in Case of Swine Flu B. Experts’ Arguments Over Swine Flu
C. Prevention of Swine Flu on the Trip D. No News Is the Best News
