In public places such as airports, viruses inevitably lurk in every
corner. Countless people make contact in planes, waiting areas and
bathrooms every day.
“Flying probably accelerated the spread of the H1N1 virus in 2009,”
said Dr. Alison Galdy from the University of Minnesota Infection
Prevention as quoted by Travel+Leisure.
Fox 9 reported several “virus hot zones” in airports that should be
avoided, such as toilet handles, armrests on chairs, kiosk screens and
handrails. However, the riskiest item is the plastic bins used during
security screenings.
.
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It is said that travelers dump everything from toothbrushes to
children’s diaper bags into them on a regular basis. The trays are also
rarely cleaned.
According to healthcare company the Mayo Clinic, the flu virus can
survive on stainless steel, plastic and similar hard surfaces for more
than 48 hours. This increases the chances of viral transmissions to
humans through contact.
Travelers should also avoid touching their faces too often because it
spreads germs quickly. Fox 9 reported that people touch their faces
subconsciously as often as three to five times an hour.
Source - TheJakartaPost
