To help limit transmission of the virus, the experts are advising all to avoid all nonessential travel. Individual travelers can also help limit the transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses by practicing good hand hygiene, minimizing contact with people who are sick, and taking other steps to help manage the risk of infection.
Limit exposure to people who are sick
Limiting close contact with people who are sick can help lower your risk for contracting a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19 or the flu.
But that can be difficult to do when you’re traveling on a plane, cruise ship, or other mass transit.
According to an air quality expert from Purdue University, the air conditioning systems on cruise ships aren’t designed to filter out viruses.
“It’s standard practice for the air conditioning systems of cruise ships to mix outside air with inside air to save energy. The problem is that these systems can’t filter out particles smaller than 5,000 nanometers,” Qingyan Chen, PhD, a professor of mechanical engineering at Purdue University, said in a recent news release.
“If the coronavirus is about the same size as SARS, which is 120 nanometers in diameter, then the air conditioning system would be carrying the virus to every cabin,” he continued.
Planes have more effective air filtration systems, but people who are sitting close to a passenger who’s coughing or sneezing may still be exposed to airborne germs.
If you’re worried about contracting a respiratory infection from another passenger, wearing a face mask may help lower the risk.
“Face masks can be considered for sick travelers to help reduce the spread of respiratory germs and for people sitting near sick travelers with respiratory symptoms, when the sick traveler cannot tolerate wearing a mask,” Morledge explained.
Practice good hand hygiene
Practicing good hand hygiene can also help lower your risk for contracting a respiratory infection or other contagious illnesses while traveling.
“Handwashing is the single most important infection control measure,” Morledge said.
“Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed or gloved hands,” he advised.
In particular, he encourages travelers to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after assisting or touching anyone who’s sick.
It’s also important to wash your hands after touching bodily fluids or surfaces that might be contaminated with germs.
If soap and water aren’t available, the CDC recommends using a hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60 to 95 percent Trusted Source.
The CDC recommends Trusted Source that all people wear cloth face masks in public places where it’s difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus from people without symptoms or people who do not know they have contracted the virus. Cloth face masks should be worn while continuing to practice physical distancing. Instructions for making masks at home can be found.
Get recommended vaccinations
Whether you’re traveling abroad or staying home, Schaffner emphasizes the importance of getting the flu shot to reduce your risk for respiratory illness.
The flu shot won’t protect against COVID-19, but it will lower your chances of contracting the much more common influenza virus.
“The dominant virus that’s causing respiratory illness now, all over the United States, is influenza,” Schaffner said.
“It’s kind of late, but if you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated,” he said.
If you’re taking an international trip, your doctor might also encourage you to get other vaccinations. Let them know where you’re traveling, and ask if there are any immunizations that you should get.
Let the appropriate people know if you’re sick
If you develop symptoms of a respiratory illness or other disease while traveling, it’s important to keep your distance from other travelers if possible. If you’re traveling by cruise ship, let the crew know.
“Cruise ships have well-trained medical personnel on board and are well equipped to handle any illness,” Morledge said.
“Self-isolate and inform the onboard medical center immediately if [you]develop a fever, begin to feel feverish, or develop other signs or symptoms of sickness,” he advised. ♦
