How to prevent flu infection on aircraft

To avoid spreading the disease, the most important thing when getting on a plane is to wash your hands thoroughly.

is one of the worst experiences you can easily encounter when flying. A study published in the 2017 Global Health Chronicle indicates that passengers sit in a row in front of and behind a sick person at highest risk of infection.

According to Stephanie Mandel, nutritional adviser at Morrison Medical Center, New York (USA), the more they interact with each other at close range for a long time, people are more susceptible to viruses. Besides, the dry air on the plane makes the mechanism of self-protection like mucus in the nose weaken.

However, you can still protect yourself from an unpleasant cold. Here are the tips given by the Huffington Post.

The dry air on the aircraft makes the mechanism of self-protection as mucus in the nose weaken.(Photo: HP).

Wash your hands clean

Mr. Daniel Eiras, assistant professor of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Langone Medical University (USA) confirmed that the most important thing when getting on the plane is hand washing. Specifically, you need to thoroughly wash areas that are overlooked like the back of your hand or fingers. Alternatively, you can use a sterile towel to clean the seat belt and food tray. These items are less cleaned and contain the most pathogens.

Seat selection

This advice sounds a bit difficult because you can't tell who got sick before boarding the plane. However, according to Buisness Insider, the risk of infection in the seat next to the aisle is highest, up to 80% if the person sitting opposite is caught.

According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2008, an engineer said that the air behind the aircraft " polluted the cabin". However, you do not need to worry because the air on the plane has been filtered by HEPA system and hospital standards.

Try to rest

According to Marina Gafanovich, an intern in New York (USA), each person needs to sleep fully before each trip. The more stressful and tired, the more susceptible the body becomes. Sleep after every flight is also essential because of jet-lag (fatigue after each long trip) that causes the circadian rhythm to be affected.

Besides, take advantage of sleeping on the plane if you land in the evening. If you fly during the day, you should wake up to go to bed at night.

Healthy eating

Consider food options to boost your immune system. According to Livestrong, foods containing many sugars cause a decline in the number of immune system cells that work against harmful bacteria. Experts recommend eating antioxidant-rich foods (berries and dark green leafy vegetables).

Note when using supplements such as vitamin C or herbal extracts because they do not work to prevent or shorten the duration of colds. In contrast, these substances are more likely to cause health problems such as nausea, headache if combined with other drugs.

Don't get on the plane if you're sick

It is not a good idea to fly an airplane while you are cold or flu. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people not to board a plane if they have a contagious disease or develop symptoms such as an ear infection or cough. In addition to harming other passengers, Ms. Gafanovich said air travel could make you more ill.