Every year more than a billion of people coming from all over the world share airports and aircraft. The spread of germs, virus, and diseases is not uncommon. And recently, the Ebola virus is making headlines globally.
Here are the top 10 ways to help prevent infection on a plane.
Table of Contents
10. Do Not Travel To Outbreak Areas
This definitely reduces the risk of coming into close contact with people who might be infected with this deadly disease.
Some high-risk countries include: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria.
Though it might be tempting to go on a family vacation in one of these sun-soaked countries, it might be worth considering somewhere else until things are under control.
9. Don’t Touch Everything
From the airport to inside the airplane, touching things may be unavoidable. There are all sorts of things to touch such as your tickets and passport, railings, seats and overhead compartments.
You may have a very insignificant cut on your finger or rub your eyes because you are tired which could lead to infection.
Restrain yourself from touching anything but your own belongings, and you will diminish the risk of contracting this deadly virus significantly.
8. Avoid Ebola Victims
The easiest way to get infected with Ebola is coming into contact with a victim of this virus. Although it might be nearly impossible to tell a healthy person from an infected one, you should always remember that the first symptoms of the Ebola virus are quite similar to those of the flu – coughing, fatigue, fever, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite.
If there is someone in the plane who manifests any of these symptoms, do your best and stay away from him or her to avoid potential contact and prevent contracting the virus yourself.
7. Wear Protective Clothing
The Ebola virus cannot be transmitted unless you come into direct or indirect contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. There are many ways of accidentally doing so, so wearing protective clothing may be the answer.
Goggles – Your eyes are moist and it wouldn’t take much to be infected through the delicate membranes of the eyes. People are constantly spitting while they talk or sneezing. Gross!
Gloves – Protect your hands from touching and potentially spreading fluids. This essential if you need to assist someone in need of medical attention.
Face Masks – Although Ebola is not considered to be transmitted through the air, it’s just another means of prevention.
6. Don’t Touch People or Their Things
Airplane flights might seem like the perfect moment to make new friends. Though they might look perfectly healthy, they may not be.
Initial symptoms may not show up for 8 to 10 days after contracting it. No matter what your customs are, do not shake their hands, kiss their cheeks or do anything else that might potentially result in getting infected. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
5. Wash Your Hands Regularly
Washing your hands regularly is not only an efficient way to keep bacteria away and approach a mindful hygiene routine, but also a great safety precaution you can take to avoid contracting Ebola and other nasty viruses.
Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after embarking on the plane, as well as every time you come into contact with elements that might potentially carry the virus.
Most formulations of hand sanitizers are powerful enough to kill bacteria and viruses, so don’t be shy to slap it on.
4. No Sex
Ebola can be sexually transmitted – that is obvious considering that this virus can be spread through direct contact with bodily fluids, including those that are produced by genitals. If having sex in a plane is something you have in mind, you should think twice before doing anything.
Any sexual activity, regardless of the type of sex practiced, can increase the chances of contracting Ebola. It might even be safe to put off having sex for some time after your flight until you are cleared of potential infection.
3. Avoid Using the Restroom
Restrooms can be very risky when it comes to contracting the Ebola virus. For this reason, avoiding them is the best safety precaution you can possibly take. Not everyone washes their hands or leaves the restroom clean after using it.
Do not drink a lot of liquids before getting on the airplane, to help avoid needing to use the restroom during the flight. If you have a particularly long flight, this may be a challenge so do you best to keep clean.
2. Don’t Eat or Drink
Eating or drinking during a flight can be quite tempting. Short trips usually offer snacks such as chips, salads, sandwiches, and pretzels. For longer flights, complete meals might be offered.
To survive during the flight and avoid contracting the deadly Ebola virus, stay away from anything that is served at all costs.
To take it further, avoid the sandwich you have carefully made at home and brought along. Think about what other people have touched and then think about what you have touched. Now think about how well you’ve washed your hands.
Try eating at home before going to the airport so you can avoid the temptation of eating onboard.
1. Stay Home
Number 1 is more of an extreme prevention tactic. If you are that scared of the possibility of getting infected with the Ebola virus, just stay at home and do not embark on a flight. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t come into contact with someone that might be infected.
You won’t have to restrain yourself from using the restroom, eating or drinking.
Staying at home will also diminish the risk of potentially spreading the virus if you have contracted it.
