Germs and viruses that circle the globe and know no borders are a cause of concern for most modern-day air travelers. There are ways to diminish the odds and ease apprehensions of picking up an airborne disease or a virus en route to destinations.
At the general meeting of the American Society for Microbiology held in Boston in May last year, researchers from Auburn University confirmed that disease-causing pathogens do linger on airplanes up to a week on cabin surfaces.
The likelihood of the microbes being transmitted from the surfaces to the fingers or skin of passengers is very high. Some air travelers end up suffering from disease infection, or bringing home a souvenir cough or cold.
The hot zone for exposure to microbes may emanate from nearby co-passengers, or from viral particles on surfaces, particularly the tray table, armrest, window shades, or toilet handle, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Apart from the cabin air that is "virtually moisture-free," the lavatory that launches germ in all directions is also among the crucial hot zones that make people susceptible to infection and viruses, The Telegraph reported.
The Auburn University researchers underscored the importance of practicing good hygiene and said epidemiologic studies may be quite expensive and difficult.
Washing one's hands and not consuming food that comes in contact with the tray are forms of preventive care. With the holidays fast approaching, the number of ill travelers may possibly increase. While the perceived risks may be greater than actual risks, it pays to keep in mind some pre-boarding as well as in-flight pointers for healthy travel.
In his book, "Healthy Travel: Don't Travel Without It!" Dr. Michael P. Zimring noted the importance of seeking medical advice at least six weeks before departing from one's country of origin.
During in-flight travel, health experts advise having at hand antibacterial hand wipes, nasal saline spray for keeping nasal passages moist during long flights, and staying hydrated. Before embarking on a long-haul flight, getting a health check and bolstering the body's natural defenses are highly recommended.
Shopping for essential supplies including doctor-approved supplements, and researching destinations, along with what airlines as well as airports prevent disease outbreak. Identifying the hotspots where diseases have emerged may prove to be helpful or even life-saving.