How you might reduce the risk of falling victim to an infection

SCIENTISTS have been planning for a pandemic for decades and transport hubs are widely regarded as infection hotspots, with virus transmission rates up to six times higher for those using public transport systems.

Planes, trains and buses – and the stations you must travel through to access them – are in many respects the perfect environment for dropletspread diseases such as coronavirus (Covid-19) to be passed on in.

But there is good evidence that you can avoid them. Here’s how:

 Tube and trains

Travelling “off peak” is one way to lower your risk. But even then, it’s possible to pick up bugs from surfaces including poles, handles, ticket machines and escalator handrails.

To reduce the risk, clean your hands after travelling and do not touch your face while on the move.

 Beware of airports

A recent study found that ramping up handwashing at 10 of the world’s top airports, including Heathrow, could reduce the spread of a virus by 37 per cent. Security checks are the worst areas. A study by the University of Nottingham found that half of all plastic luggage trays at security checks were harbouring at least one respiratory disease. The same study found that the chip-and-pin paying machines at airport pharmacies were especially likely to harbour viruses.

Many international airports make hand sanitiser available, but this is not the case in the UK, so take your own.  Bugs on a plane

The problem is not recycled air (it’s filtered), but droplets spread by people moving through the aisles. A study concluded that the best place to sit is in the middle of the plane in a window seat. If you can’t get a window seat, second best is a middle seat rather than an aisle.

 Taxis

Experts say it is safest to sit directly behind the driver. This is because drivers tend to swerve to protect themselves in an accident. You are also less likely to have droplets land on you should the driver sneeze.

 Walk if you can

It’s not always possible, but the best way to get around virus-free is to walk or cycle. Regular exercise also protects you from heart and other vascular diseases – a much bigger risk to your health than coronavirus in the long run.