Added: 10/24/2005 |
Airborne bacteria ? travellers, watch out!Germs are everywhere and there are some situations in which there is practically no escape, no chance to get fresh air. Each year, millions of travelers contract airborne illnesses on airplanes, buses, trains and other means of public transportation. With the spread of contagious, potentially fatal diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), it is important to protect yourself when traveling. According to what was said, travelers are in the group of risk. Does that mean that we have to stop traveling? Certainly, not. What we should do is try to prevent possible infections.
Passengers on airplanes, buses, trains and other means of public transportation transmit airborne bacteria as they would anywhere else - through coughing, talking, laughing and exhaling. Since passengers are in an enclosed area with poor air filtration, they are at a higher risk of contracting any number of viruses, including measles, mumps, influenza, chicken pox, and SARS. Serious bacterial diseases, such as meningitis, tuberculosis and pneumonia can also be transmitted.
Bus, airplane, train are the ideal places for microbes to grow.
There is little or no possibility to air the place that is the reason why the exhaled air of each passenger circulates and re-circulates in the cabin, making the air unsanitary. What is more, passengers are placed so close to each other that it minimizes the chances to avoid contacts with a sick person if there is one. It is also worth knowing that the elderly and young children are most at risk of contracting an airborne illness. One more thing that plays against the traveler is the time spent in a bus or plane. Naturally, the risk of becoming infected with an airborne illness increases with the duration of the trip. However, even if you spend an hour or two in a means of transportation, be on your guard, since bacteria do not need much time to spoil your vacation.
Protecting yourself from airborne diseases while traveling is simpler than it can seem after everything that has been said. First of all, physicians recommend that you wear a damp, a cotton handkerchief over your nose and mouth while on the aircraft. The handkerchief will block many airborne germs and it will also help keep your air passages moist in the dry cabin.
Secondly, there is even a better alternative to a moist handkerchief. It is a commercial mask. It is vitally significant to find a mask that fits tightly around your face. Some physicians even suggest wearing a mask over a handkerchief, though it may cause some uncomfortable sensations. Nevertheless, remember, that it is much better to put up with some inconvenience, than spend your longed-for holidays in a hospital.
It is crucial to remember that covering your nose and mouth will not guarantee your protection from contracting bacterial and viral infections. Many people spread germs by rubbing their eyes. In this respect, it is a good idea to carry an instant hand sanitizer on the plane with you to disinfect your hands regularly.
As far as you can see, there is no use staying at home due to the fear of bacteria. It is very useful to consider possibly dangerous situations and plan how you are going to act to protect yourself and your family.
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