Based on a frightening number of confirmed deaths in Mexico from the swine flu and the fact that there are already 20 confirmed cases in the U.S., on Sunday the  U.S. government  declared a public health emergency.

The story will certainly change – quickly – throughout the week. For now, anyone with plane tickets to Mexico should rethink the trip and contact their airline about altering their plans.

On a quick review of airline Web sites Sunday evening, it seemed like most every carrier was waiving its change, and in some cases, cancellation, rules for at least the next week.

For information about the virus and some advice on what you can do to protect yourself when traveling, see the CDC Web site.

(Flu virus photo courtesy Dr. F. A. Murphy, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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