Page 13 - CIJ July 2024 Digital Edition

NEWS TRACK

Expert advises on Airplane Health Risks & Precautions

r Carl Abraham, commonly touched objects like
an infectious seatbelts and trays, even though
disease expert and airlines should clean these areas
assistant professor between flights.
Dat the New York
Institute of Technology College of However, the real hotspot for
Osteopathic Medicine, has released germs is the airplane lavatory.
essential tips for staying healthy Surfaces can be contaminated by
while flying. Despite commercial bacteria and viruses like influenza,
airplanes having high-efficiency SARS-CoV-2, and norovirus. To
particulate air (HEPA) filter reduce contact with these germs,
systems that quickly exchange passengers should use sanitizing
air, the risk of spreading airborne wipes on lavatory door handles, use
pathogens exists, particularly if a toilet seat covers, and always close
passenger is within two rows of an the lid before flushing.
infected passenger. To mitigate this, Hand hygiene is critical and
Dr Abraham has advised anyone always wash hands or use hand
with a respiratory infection or has a sanitizer before and after using
weakened immune systems to wear the restroom and before eating.
an N95 mask. By following these precautions,

He has also highlighted the passengers can reduce their risk of
importance of disinfecting infection and enjoy safer travels.

Clean India Journal•JULY 2024 13
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