Have you ever boarded a plane, feeling excited about reaching your destination, only to notice the onset of a cold a day or two afterward? You’re not the only one. In fact, the likelihood of falling ill during a flight can increase by as much as 80%, depending on your seat location.
Several factors contribute to this, but with some foresight and a strategic choice of seating, you can mitigate your risk of falling sick during your next journey. The video above, along with the tips provided below, can guide you.
First, The Myths
Let’s debunk some misconceptions surrounding airplane air, which many blame for post-flight coughs and sniffles. The air circulated in aircraft passes through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and planes intake a certain amount of fresh air throughout the flight. Approximately 50% of the air you breathe while flying is recycled, with HEPA filters capable of capturing around 99.97% of airborne particles larger than .3 microns. This filtration effectively removes nearly all bacteria and many viruses.
HEPA filtration and passenger ventilation systems are so efficient that sitting beside another passenger on a flight is comparable to standing 2 meters away from someone in an office, grocery store, or airport. While waiting in line for check-in, navigating security checkpoints, using bathrooms, or relaxing in lounges, you will encounter numerous people at the airport, which is where you are more likely to catch a cold. If you are particularly worried about catching a cold, wearing a mask is a wise precaution, but there are other measures you can take.
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