No one wants to be sick over the holidays, but while weaving through crowds at the airport and sitting in close proximity with other passengers on board an airplane, it can almost feel like an inevitability.
Florida-based flight attendant Hunter Smith-Lihas, who works as a flight attendant on a major US airline, says it’s worth remembering that airplanes are cleaned between flights, and airplane air filters are designed to help combat germs spreading.
But when Smith-Lihas is traveling, he still chooses to wipe down his airplane seat and tray table. Some airlines provide passengers with a sanitizing wipe, and you might as well make use of that, he says.
To prevent sickness while traveling, the CDC recommends washing your hands often with soap and running water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
An additional measure to further protect yourself and others would be wearing a mask while you travel, the CDC notes.
And another tip when you’re on the plane: You know that little nozzle above your seat that regulates air? Turn that on. That’s going to cause some turbulent airflow in front of you and possibly break up any clouds of virus, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta says.
