2023-05-17 05:30:00
With a few simple tricks, you can halve the risk of infection on an airplane by 50 percent.
airplanes have some of the most advanced ventilation systems in the world and protect against diseases by constantly exchanging air. This is especially valuable during cold and flu season, when the cramped quarters can be a breeding ground for infection. Airplane ventilation systems inherently filter most particles from the air. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Highly efficient HEPA filters are used in aircraft, which remove 99.97 percent of dust, pollen, mold and bacterial particles from the air.
How high is the corona risk on the plane?
ventilation systems in aircraft
The aircraft’s ventilation system is the same as or better than most operating rooms and hospitals in the world. That’s because they change air between 15 and 30 times an hour, with 50 percent of the air being recirculated and the other half coming from outside the plane. Even if an airline changes filters less frequently than recommended, they are catching on, according to the International Air Transport Association still remove most of the particles.
However, HEPA filters cannot catch everything. Airborne viruses such as B. Covid, can fly several meters and float in the air. The EPA estimates that in some cases they can remain airborne for hours, even after someone has already left the room. As a result, the likelihood of coming into contact with them is much greater. According to the expert, it is risk of infection relatively low when seated several rows away from someone who has Covid. “If you’re just two seats away from someone, there’s some risk, but it’s not as high as you would think,” he said. Humidifiers can help fill in some of these gaps. With a HEPA filter and fresh air, the risk of viral particles being a problem is gone,” said Dr. Mark Gendreau, an expert on infectious diseases associated with air travel at Beth Israel Lahey Health, Beverly Hospital.
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Virus particles blown away
If you switch on the ventilation above your seat, you can theoretically blow out a virus particle that is approaching you. You don’t have to blow the air directly in your face with full force. Adjusting the airflow to what is most comfortable is enough. It should be just a little bit away from you and pointing down. However, a little extra air isn’t the only thing you can do to reduce the risk.
Other risks of infection
Crowding in the aisles after landing can pose a major risk. After landing, the pilot turns off the aircraft’s ventilation system for a short time before the crew turns on the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit. “If you’re crowded in the aisle and you’re very close to the others, you’re putting yourself at significant risk,” said Dr. Gendreau. Also, consuming too many caffeinated beverages can lead to dehydration. Because immune cells need water to eliminate toxins and waste, they are vulnerable when they don’t get enough water. So better up Coffee and Alcohol give up and drink water instead.
That’s why you shouldn’t drink coffee on a plane
Although humidifiers and HEPA filters can eliminate most airborne particles, there is still a risk of picking up germs from surfaces such as floors. B. when opening the luggage compartment or when touching the seats. according to dr Gendreau hands transmit 70 to 80 percent of all infections, and most of us make this worse by touching our eyes, nose and mouth up to 20 times an hour. He recommends taking hand sanitizer on board and washing your hands to minimize the risk.
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