Nov. 19, 2009 (United Press International) -- Holiday get-togethers and traveling itself provide an ideal way for illness to spread, especially H1N1 flu, U.S. health officials said.

Officials of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said Thursday it it beginning its largest ever public awareness campaign about staying healthy while traveling.

"The holidays are one of the busiest travel times of the year," Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a statement. "People are in close contact -- whether they're on a plane, train, ship or just visiting with loved ones."

CDC is urging people when planning their travel plans to:

-- Travel only when feeling well.

-- Get vaccinated for both seasonal flu and H1N1 if they are in a priority group.

-- Wash hands often.

-- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.

"We know that flu -- and specifically H1N1 this year -- is a big concern for people, but flu shouldn't ruin the holidays," Schuchat said.

Campaign themes, including "Prevention can be Travel-Sized" and "Stop, Wash and Go," will use a variety of media, including informational posters at airports, ports of entry and border crossings; national radio and print advertising; and social media and online outreach.