Doctor reveals surprising trick to help avoid getting sick while flying… and you can do it from the comfort of your seat
A DOCTOR has revealed that air passengers can reduce the risk of catching an infectious disease by using the onboard ventilation system.
Many passengers are worried about catching viruses such as Covid when flying as a result of the cramped conditions inside the cabin.
Dr Mark Gendreau, chief medical officer at Beth Israel Lahey Health, Beverly Hospital, has told the Daily Mail how the on-board ventilation systems reduce this risk.
Dr Gendreau advised passengers to ensure the overhead vent was turned on, not off.
He said: “A lot of people don’t take advantage of it, but what that does it that provides you with a little more air turbulence in your area that you’re sitting in.”
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that planes use high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters to remove 99.97 percent of airborne particles, dust, pollen, mold and bacteria.
Dr Gendreau explained that it was in an airline’s own interest to ensure the ventilation was working properly.
He said if the system was not working it caused drag, which burns fuel.
Dr Gendreau said that if another passenger had Covid but was several rows away, the risk of infection was low.
He said that onboard filters helped reduced the risk of Covid, because fresh air kills the virus.
He added that the gasper did not have to be turned on full blast for it to help kill and disperse germs.
Dr Gendreau said there was a moment of high risk after the plane landed and the when the pilot shuts off the aircraft’s ventilation.
He advised to avoid being trapped inside a cramped area of the plane during the period of time.
Dr Gendreau said that 70 to 80 percent of all infections are transmitted through your hands.
He advised on hand washing and the use of hand sanitiser to reduce the risk of this type of infection.
He also advised air passengers to avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine on board, which could lead to dehydration.