NEW YORK - Last spring thousands of travelers canceled trips to Mexico after a swine flu outbreak there emptied beaches and resorts.

Staying home won’t protect you from swine flu now: Forty-six states have reported widespread flu activity.

“The thought that the virus was just a Mexico problem is gone,” said Sondra Wilson, owner of several Travel Leaders travel agency locations in Washington state. “We know it’s here and all around us.”

Here are some questions and answers about travel insurance, basic hygiene and other aspects of traveling during the swine flu outbreak.

Q. Is it OK to travel during the swine flu outbreak?

A. The CDC says “some travelers at increased risk of complications from flu may want to consider postponing travel.” The agency identifies those in the high-risk categories as pregnant women, adults older than 65, babies and children younger than age 5, and travelers with chronic illnesses. If you are in a high-risk category and must travel, the CDC recommends that you talk to a doctor about whether to take flu medications with you in case you can’t get medical care right away. If you are sick, stay home.

For more information from the CDC, go to wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/.

Q.How can I protect myself against swine flu? Should I wear a face mask?

A. The CDC says there is little information on the effectiveness of disposable paper face masks. They are not recommended in most settings.

The most important thing you can do is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. To protect others, use a tissue or cough and sneeze into your sleeve.

Frequent travelers have other rituals, too. Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, says she cleans airplane tray tables with sanitizing wipes before using them, and she avoids putting items in the seatback pocket, where previous passengers may have stored dirty tissues.

The CDC says studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for two to eight hours after being deposited on the surface.

Bill Miller, who handles business development for CheapOAir.com, avoids drinking out of glasses in hotel rooms, using disposable cups and bottled water instead. He also tries to stay away from breakfast bars and other buffet meals where germs can spread.

Q. If I cancel a planned trip because of swine flu, will I get a refund?

A. Travel suppliers are not obligated to help but it’s worth asking. Last spring, when the outbreak was at its worst in Mexico, some travel suppliers offered credits toward future trips. Some resort chains with hotels in Mexico and other locations allowed travelers to switch destinations if they had availability at hotels elsewhere, but travelers had to book new airfare.

Q.Should I buy travel insurance?