Passenger safety: Avoiding germs on a plane

The coronavirus is affecting the airline industry. Airline companies have announced the cancellation of flights to and from China due to a decrease in demand as a result of the fear that the virus could be transmitted by passengers flying from China to other countries. It is a legitimate fear, as the cabin of an aircraft is full of germs. An aircraft is an enclosed space with practically no ventilation, where large numbers of people are clustered together for long periods of time. Thus it is fertile ground for the reproduction of disease-causing germs. Awareness of the fact that an airplane is full of bacteria is the first step toward taking preventive measures. Studies reveal that bacteria can survive for about one week in an aircraft. There are always large amounts of bacteria on door handles, restrooms, passenger seats and armrests, the folding tray on the side of the seat, as well as the overhead storage bins. So what can you do to ensure that you arrive at your destination uncontaminated? The experts at Dr. Fischer suggest the following precautions to minimize the risk of becoming infected: 1. Use wipes such as Dr. Fischer’s Alcohol Wipes whenever possible. The wipes, made of soft fabric, are hermetically sealed in individual packets. They provide thorough cleansing at any time and place. The wipes clean and disinfect hands in one easy action. There are 20 individually sealed wipes in each package. The wipes are ideal for carrying in one’s pocket, purse or bag. When boarding the plane, touch as few surfaces as possible. Before taking your seat, use the wipes to disinfect your entire seating environment: the seat, armrests, headrest, food tray, seat belt, window. In short, everything around you. 2. If possible, avoid sitting in an aisle seat. They are exposed to passengers walking by who may accidentally touch you or breathe on you, thereby passing on their germs. Ideally, book a window seat to have as little exposure to others as possible. 3. Try to use only hermetically sealed products such as sealed magazines and hermetically enclosed blankets. It is advisable to bring your own headphones. 4. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops pass through many places and many hands. It is advisable to wipe them regularly during a flight and on the ground. On a flight, avoid using them in restrooms and wipe any surface that comes in contact with your device. 5. Cleanse your hands thoroughly after leaving the restroom and before meals. Rub them with a disinfectant gel or use a hand wipe with 70% alcohol content. 6. Bring disposable face masks. If you are sitting next to someone with a cough, sneeze or runny nose, put on a mask. Here are some Dr. Fischer products that will help keep you healthy in compromising environments: Alco-Gel Series. This is the premier product to keep your hands clean. It is a quick and highly effective way to wash your hands without the use of soap and water. It reduces the risk of catching something in or out of the home environment. The unique formula combines a high concentration of alcohol (70%) with other ingredients to defend against bacteria. It includes Provitamin B5 and glycerine to maintain moisture and skin softness. The product has been laboratory tested and been found to be effective in disinfecting 99.99% of the bacteria tested. The bactera are the following: • Escherichia coli (E. coli): It is a common cause of urinary tract infection, which can cause blood poisoning, pneumonia and meningitis. • Staphylococcus aureus: It causes pneumonia, meningitis and skin abscess lesions. It can also cause blood poisoning and food poisoning. • Pseudomonas aeruginosa: It causes pneumonia and may cause blood poisoning. It is a major cause of disease in hospitals. • Streptococcus faecalis: It causes inflammation of the heart, urinary system and gall bladder. • Enterobacter aerogenes: It causes urinary tract infections. It also causes secondary infections in hospitals. Dr. Fischer products combine 50 years of experience, research and innovation to develop the most advanced products for the health and treatment of all members of the family. Alco-Gel products are available at retail stores, pharmacy chains, private pharmacies and health funds.