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An epidemiologist and an exposure scientist explain: how to stay safe when flying
May 25, 2020
Two experts walk you through how to minimize the risk of air travel. They advise you to adopt a method called a 'Heirarchy of Control' that is often used by healthcare professional. Additionally, using simple hygiene tips and arming yourself with specific knowledge about your airport and flight could keep you safe.
We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to travel. And that typically means flying.
We have been thinking through this issue as moms and as an exposure scientist and infectious disease epidemiologist . While we’ve decided personally that we’re not going to fly right now, we will walk you through our thought process on what to consider and how to minimize your risks.
Why the fear of flying?
The primary concern with flying – or traveling by bus or train – is sitting within six feet of an infected person. Remember: Even asymptomatic people can transmit. Your risk of infection directly corresponds to your dose of exposure , which is determined by your duration of time exposed and the amount of virus-contaminated droplets in the air .
Have you read? How public transportation provides key lifelines during COVID-19 This chart shows how airlines are being grounded by COVID-19
A secondary concern is contact with contaminated surfaces. When an infected person contaminates a shared armrest, airport restroom handle, seat tray or other item, the virus can survive for hours though it degrades over time . If you touch that surface and then touch your mouth or nose, you put yourself at risk of infection.
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