Personal hygiene is a critical measure in disease prevention. Although germs are everywhere – on the plane, at home, school, and even hospital – doing everything possible to keep your hands and body free from contamination helps a great deal in preventing a myriad of diseases. Every step taken from sanitizing your seat, wearing goggles to basic steps like washing your hands makes a difference, but did you know that you can do more for your hygiene on a flight? Here are a few ways on how to avoid germs on a plane.
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Since the onset of the pandemic, we’ve learned a lot about social distancing. Keeping distance on a plane may not be as difficult as before, thanks to the travel authorities’ strict rules. However, even after the pandemic, it would be best if you kept some distance, especially from people with flu-like symptoms.
According to research, passengers sitting within one or two rows of the infected passenger have a higher likelihood of catching germs than those sitting far away. Sadly, it’s not easy to notice some signs and symptoms until it’s too late. Where possible, always maintain your distance.
According to statistics, airplane seats are germy areas, probably germier than your home’s toilet seat. Areas including seatback pockets, seat belt buckles, and the top seat are some of the most touched places, and you need to clean with a disinfectant touching them.
Fetch the wipes soon after boarding and use them correctly. Wipe the non-porous surfaces clean and wait a few seconds as per the package instructions. Clean the head and armrest, the seatbelt buckles, tray table, and back pocket. However, don’t use wipes on upholstered seats to spread germs rather than kill them.
Always remember to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer while traveling. Experts recommend something with at least a 60% alcohol concentration.
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most common ways to avoid germs, not just on a plane but wherever you go. The CDC recommends scrubbing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
The filthiest places on a plane are often the most touched. Airplane tray tables are some of the germiest surfaces, containing more than a flush button. Avoid eating off a dinner tray because the plane’s cleaning crew may not have had enough time to clean them.
Air vents, lavatory flush buttons, and seatbelt buckles should be on your watchlist, too, since they may not be regularly cleaned.
Many passengers visit the plane’s bathroom. The more they use the sinks, toilet seats, and flush handles, the more they’re exposed to germs. It would be best if you go to the bathroom before your flight. Where possible, avoid going to the bathroom mid-flight. However, if you find it hard to hold it in, always use paper towels when touching faucets, flush handles, and the door latch.
Humidity levels on the plane vary from what we experience every day. An airplane cabin has about 20% humidity – which many people consider uncomfortable. At this humidity, your body loses water fast. When the mucous membranes in your nose and throat dry out, your body could be more exposed to germs. Therefore, always stay hydrated, and don’t forget to bring your own bottle. Carrying your own water means you’ll not have to ask for water from the flight attendant every ten minutes.
Touching surfaces on the plane makes your hands dirty. Whether they’re clean or not, always keep your hands from touching your face. The eyes, nose, and mouth are easy entry points for germs into your body. Therefore, avoid rubbing your eyes, touching your nose or mouth. If you have to, ensure that your hands are washed and clean.
Suppose you can avoid snacks on a short flight, the better. Germs are fond of entering the human body through the mouth, and taking snacks on a flight may provide the easiest route, especially if you didn’t wash your hands. Taking snacks also increases contact with the flight crew.
Personal hygiene begins with you. Every day, you’re exposed to germs and other pathogens. Flu season or not, getting ready for a flight requires a well-equipped air travel kit. This will help you take all the necessary measures to protect yourself from contamination and germs.
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