by The Case for Obsessive Hand Hygiene
Travelers are herded into shared spaces and exposed to each other’s profile of pathogens hour after hour. A quick turn-around of the plane, train or cruiser leaves a residual base of germs to build on and the recharging of these reservoirs starts again. There is one universal precaution that works well – GOOD HEALTH! Second to that is obsessive hand hygiene.
Ten Commandments For The Caring Traveler:
- Build your immune system before travel.
- Hydrate for days prior to departure, like preparing for a marathon. This will give you enough time for your body to process the water, so you can minimize the use of restrooms.
- Don’t drink alcohol, coffee or tea before or during the trip as it is a diuretic, meaning that it increases the level of water that the body excretes through urination.
- Use the cleanest restroom you can find at the terminal. Wash hands thoroughly.
- Don’t board sick.
- Avoid unnecessary contact with service staff as they are frequent carriers.
- Use hand sanitizer wipes after ticketing and again in any holding area.
- After boarding, when seated, wipe hands first and then the tray-table (for the air traveler).
- Use wipes again before and after any meal service.
- Do not use the restroom unless absolutely necessary.
