Swine Flu: How to Minimize Your Swine Flu (N1H1) Risk On An Airplane

By confidentflyer

We are all hearing about the swine flu on the news and how contagious it is. I work for the airlines and I am hearing more questions every day whether it is safe to fly in an airplane with this threat. At any given time throughout the year there are many contagious diseases that could be transmitted in an airplane or anywhere for that matter. Here are some tips to help keep you healthy and minimize your exposure to any type of germ on an aircraft.

Step 1
While you are preparing your suitcase for the trip, ensure you pack a few essentials in your carry-on or purse. Ensure you have an adequate amount of hand sanitizing gel, mouthwash, vitamins and nasal wash. Ensure each container is no larger than 3 ounces or it will not make it past security. If you can't travel without cuddling up with a blanket and/or pillow...pack your own! There are many space saving varieties available now.

Step 2

DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! Water that is! Avoid any caffeinated, bubbly or alcoholic beverages. These will only dehydrate you and your #1 goal during your flight is to keep yourself hydrated. It is better to sip your water on a regular basis than to chug half a bottle half way through the flight. Our body is designed to do an excellent job in repelling germs, but it has to be hydrated to do it. The humidity levels in aircraft typically hover from single digits to low twenty percent. We have to help our body's natural functions.

Step 3

Every hour you should get up and walk so here's a couple more things you can get accomplished during your stretch. Walk to the lavatory and wash your hands, use a sinus wash and wet a paper towel and take deep breaths through the wet towel to add some moisture to your throat. If you brought some mouthwash, take a sip and swish to help kill any germs that may be in your mouth, this will also help hydrate your system as well. If you also desire you can splash your face or apply moisturizer at this time to feel more refreshed.

Step 4

If you are on a long haul flight, take naps to boost your immune system. DO NOT USE the blanket and pillows available on the aircraft...I could tell you some stories! Trust me, avoid them at all costs! Use your blanket, coat and/or pillow that you brought. Do not go barefoot or shoe-less around the cabin at anytime. Many planes fly around the clock and have very little down time. When they are cleaned, they cannot reach every inch...need I say more?

Step 5

Stay aware to your surroundings. If you are concerned with a fellow passengers health, do not hesitate to query the flight attendant to see if she is aware of it. I don't mean jumping to conclusions because your fellow passenger coughed once while boarding. I mean you see a passenger that appears feverish, sweating profusely, visibly sick, etc.

Step 6

WASH! WASH! WASH! Keep those hands clean and avoid touching any part of your face, nose, mouth and eyes. Don't be afraid to use the hand sanitizing gel as much as possible. Any surface you touch on that aircraft (or any public surface for that matter) has the possibility of infecting you.