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Feeling Sick After Air Travel? Jaipur Doctor Explains How Cabin Conditions Could Cause Diarrhoea & Vomiting

In an X post, the doctor mentioned that surfaces like armrests, tray tables, seatbelts and aircraft seats harbour germs that can cause illness.

by Tashika Tyagi
Feeling Sick After Air Travel? Jaipur Doctor Explains How Cabin Conditions Could Cause Diarrhoea & Vomiting

Have you ever felt sick after travelling in an aeroplane? Well, it looks like this issue is more common than you think! A Jaipur-based doctor took to X (formerly Twitter) to reveal that air travel can end up making you feel sick and cause issues like diarrhoea, vomiting and bad stomach ache. According to his post, armrests, tray tables, seatbelts and seats in the aeroplane are actually breeding grounds for germs that could potentially lead to illness. Read on to know more about this.

Doctor Share How Air Travel Can Make People Sick

Jaipur-based Dr Sudipta took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight how air travel can cause diarrhoea, vomiting, and bad stomach aches. According to his long post, there are several studies that back this claim that air travel can make people sick. He explained that the seats, tray tables, seatbelts, armrests, and other commonly touched surfaces on an aeroplane harbour “bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens” that can be “potential causes of sickness.”

He went on to mention studies from Auburn University (2015), Hunter College (2016), Charles River Associates (2019), and LSU’s Environmental Health Sciences Department (2020) where researchers found E. Coli bacteria on tray table surfaces, seat belts and lavatory handles, among other commonly touched surfaces on the plane. Some studies also showed that several pathogens can survive up to seven days on aeroplane seats and E. coli can survive for up to four days on armrests.

As per his post, this issue isn’t just restricted to air travel but almost all public transport. So, whether you’re travelling by aeroplane, bus, or train, chances of encountering such situations are very likely.

Also Read: Travelling With A Toddler This Summer? 6 Tips To Keep In Mind To Ensure They Don’t Fall Sick

Deep Cleaning A Plane Is Difficult, So Maintain Proper Hygiene

air travel sick
Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)

Now, if you’re wondering why the airlines don’t clean their aeroplanes thoroughly, then Dr. Sudipta explained that as well. According to his post, deep cleaning of all the surfaces of the aeroplane is impossible because of the quick turnaround between flights. Because of this, the airline staff doesn’t get a chance to deep clean all the surfaces like seats, trays, and belts.

He then explained that “fabric seats, in particular, can trap and retain moisture, making them more prone to harbouring bacteria and viruses.” He also mentioned that “back and headrests can be exposed to a passenger’s sweat.” Also, as passengers sit so close by, germs can be easily transferred from one person to another.

Here are a few tips the doctor suggests to avoid contacting these viruses and bacteria –

1. Always carry a hand sanitiser. Make sure to use it upon boarding, once during the flight, and always afterwards.
2. Also, sanitise your hands after using the lavatory.
3. Try to avoid airline food and airline water or juice dispensed in paper cups as much as possible.
4. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe your seat, hand rests, buckles and the tray table surface if you’re on a long-haul flight.

Also Read: Kuala Lumpur Airport Reports Gas Leak; About 39 People Fall Sick

We hope this information was helpful to you all! Please keep these tips in mind while you’re using public transportation to stay safe and healthy.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/SudiptoDoc & Canva (representative image)

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First Published: August 20, 2024 2:40 PM