NEW YORK NY – How do you protect your health while flying in an aircraft filled mostly with utter strangers? A board-certified infectious disease physician proposes three simple solutions.
If you’re traveling by air anywhere this summer, Dr. Carl Abraham suggests, you’ll probably have plenty of company. The federal Transportation Security Administration just reported an all-time high for the number of airline travelers screened. Major U.S. airlines also expect to transport 271 million passengers this summer, he says. That’s 6.3% higher than last year.
A packed plane can make it more difficult, but not impossible, to stay healthy at 35,000 feet. Abraham, an assistant professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at the New York Institute of Technology, offers some advice.
At risk? Mask up!
may increase the risk of acquiring an airborne infection
First, here’s potentially surprising news for passengers. Commercial airplanes rely on high efficiency particulate air filter systems. They rapidly exchange cabin air, Abraham explains. “In general, the risk of spreading an airborne pathogen is lower in an airplane than other indoor public settings,” he says.
“However,” he adds, “some studies suggest that sitting within two rows of an infected passenger does increase the risk of acquiring an airborne infection.” Abraham urges those flying with a possible respiratory tract infection to wear an N95 mask. Masks also would benefit those with compromised immune systems, he notes.
Disinfect for safety
“Airlines are supposed to make sure areas are cleaned thoroughly between flights,” Abraham acknowledges. Smart travelers should practice safety anyway, and carry disinfecting wipes with them. “Disinfecting touched objects, like seatbelts or trays, won’t hurt,” the doctor points out.
He makes this observation, too: the real germ hotspot might be the airplane lavatory.
Bathroom transmission can occur either by coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by bacteria, or by inhaling air contaminated with certain viruses after being used by a contagious passenger.
“In general, the surfaces of public restrooms are frequently contaminated with bacteria,” Abraham contends. “Airplane restrooms shared between passengers are no exception.” Although airlines clean the lavatory between flights, he says their use during a trip may result in contamination of the toilet, sink handles, inside and outside door handles, and the floors.
Avoid coming into contact with these germs, he advises. If you’re flying, consider using a sanitizing wipe to open and close lavatory door handles. Use toilet seat covers when available. And before flushing the toilet, close the lid.
Finally, wash up
“Importantly,” says Abraham, “everyone should always wash their hands or practice some form of hand hygiene” before putting clothes back in place, and before and after eating.
Top photo by Artturi Jalli on Unsplash, used by Travels With The Post under license
Mask photo in collaboration with Getty Images on Unsplash+, used under license
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