How not to get sick after the airfare?
You have heard that the risk of picking up ARVI aircraft is 100 times higher than on Earth? In this article, we will consider the main reasons for such a quick distribution of infection and how to protect yourself from an unwanted cold.
Why infections in the plane are transmitted faster? There may be several reasons.
Air in the cabin of the aircraft
One of the most common misconceptions about the quality of air in the cabin is that throughout the flight you breathe the same air, fortunately, it is not. A special system of control of the inside of the aircraft takes out the outer air and mixes it with the filtered inner air in proportion of 50 by 50%, after which it serves to the salon.
The design of the ventilation system provides for the supply of ventilation air into each row of chairs, as well as the collection of exhaust air from the space of the same row. This reduces, but does not exclude the risk of distribution of infections throughout the aircraft salon.
Special HEPA filters are used to clean air in the cabin. They delay viruses and infections, cleaning efficiency 94-99.97%. But for stable and efficient work, these filters must be regularly checked. If filters are not subject to regular maintenance, then the risk of impairing internal air quality increases.
What to do? Exit here two:
- Wear mask
- Use oxoline ointment
Bacteria and infections on the inner parts of the cabin
Armrests, folding tables, toilet … In short, all what you can touch the cabin is a carrier of various viruses and infections.
After each flight, the aircraft salon is cleaned, but not disinfected. Conclusion From this can be done simple – more often wash your hands and take with you an antiseptic hand gel. Now it can be bought at the box office almost any store.
Low air humidity
The third and the main cause of the rapid propagation of infection – low air humidity in the aircraft cabin.
The control systems of the internal environment of the aircraft dry the wounded air with moisture separators. As a result, the source of moisture in the cabin is only the breath of passengers and evaporation from the surface of the human body.
The average humidity of the air in the cabin is only 10-20%, when the norm should be 35-40%.
With a very low level of humidity, the natural system of protecting your body, the mucus in the nose and throat dries out, thus eliminating the barrier between the body and infection.
How to avoid colds in the plane?
Do not admit dehydration. Drink more fluid, ideally small portions throughout the flight. Remember that coffee, alcohol and drinks containing caffeine, contribute to dehydration, do not get carried away during the flight.
Keep your hands clean. As we already wrote a little higher, more often wash your hands and use the antiseptic hand gel.
Use antiviral drugs. One of the most popular is an oxolane ointment that needs to lubricate the nostrils from the inside, thereby creating a barrier for infections. Your attending physician can advise you and other means.
If you have bothered, try to postpone the trip. Remember that in the rules of many airlines there is an item according to which flight attendants can sit out from the aircraft if you can cause infection of other passengers.
