The flu scare has nearly everyone edgy. CNN isn’t helping — a friend sent me a note that their TV coverage yesterday was labeled “Humanity Under Threat.” Come on. Sure, it’s a serious concern, but that’s just outright fearmongering. So is there a silver lining to the 24-7 flu news bombardment?

If you wanted to travel to Mexico, there is. Much as Warren Buffett says the time to buy stocks is when fear is highest, I’m taking a close look at travel to Mexico right about now.

Fares to the cities as well as the resort towns are dirt cheap right now, as demand for flights has fallen off a cliff. As FareCompare CEO and friend of the blog Rick Seaney puts it, “If you’re paying more than $300 right now to anywhere in Mexico, you’re nuts.”

Before anyone jumps down my throat: I’m not advocating flying into a crisis area, much as I wouldn’t suggest flying into a region that’s been hit with a coup, a tsunami, or a devastating earthquake. If there’s a problem that needs cleaning up, and you’re not there to help, you’ll just be in the way. But taking advantage of a temporary dip in a locale’s desirability (for lack of a better word) can make your buck go a lot further.

Importantly, the deals that are out there aren’t just for next week or next month. Look further out, and the prices are still low. How about December 2009? By next winter, this scare will have hopefully passed. Chicago to Cancun on Mexicana Airlines can be had for $184 ($280 including all taxes, flights may be operated by American Airlines). Packages to resort locales could save you big, too, but be careful about cancellation policies.

And flu scare or no flu scare, you can get sick any time of year, and “regular” flu kills more people than swine flu. Good personal hygiene habits will go a long way toward prevention. That doesn’t necessarily mean masks, which are good if you have the flu, but not so much otherwise.

The bigger risk might be canceled flights, if airlines see a steep enough drop in their bookings. Be sure your hotel reservations can be canceled or refunded, and that you won’t end up losing out.

Be the vulture, not the carrion.

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