Any of us that have flown extensively for years have either sat next to someone whom was ill, or we have been ill ourselves and decided to fly anyway.

I have no doubt that I have been infected by a fellow passenger or two whom should have strayed in bed. And I have probably infected others when I should have not been flying with a temperature, cough, sneeze, and other germ spreading symptoms.

Virus can be highly contagious, and as we all know, can make you very ill. Spending hours in an aluminum tube with hundreds of others, while breathing semi-recycled air, is a great way to spread disease.

Many of the traveling public feel compelled to travel while ill. Perhaps because they feel forced to attend a business or family meeting, or because they feel they have no choice but to follow-through with the ticket. If you feel you can handle the trip, there are no laws that are going to penalize you for traveling with illness. However, to be fair to your fellow passengers, if you feel you may be contagious, you should, out of common courtesy, stay home - if you can.