May 20, 2008 11:54 pm US/Eastern
CBS 2 HD Investigation: Sick At 35,000 Feet
The Flight May Not Be Your Problem, What With All The Disgusting Germs Floating Around The Plane
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
The close contact of passengers on airplanes spreads germs at an alarming rate.
Although airplane travel cannot be avoided, some common illnesses caught on airplanes can.
For some people, the fear of flying is more about what they might catch on the plane than the flight itself, and for good reason. Planes are loaded with potential illnesses, but by knowing what's out there you can better protect yourself.
Shared surfaces like armrests and tray tables are pink-eye hot spots. Make sure you wash your hands frequently.
"Pink eye is highly contagious -- I have pink eye, I rub my eye, I don't wash my hands when I touch a surface. If you touch that surface you can acquire pink eye," said Dr. John D. Cahill of St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital.
We all know the common cold is an in-flight hazard.
"Air circulation often is not as good in airplanes," Dr. Cahill said.
That means germs from a sick person get circulated through a plane. Nonetheless, close contacts are still the riskiest. If someone sitting next to you is coughing, kindly ask them to cover their mouth, or request a change of seat.
"If we feel lousy enough not to go to work, maybe we shouldn't be traveling as well," Dr. Cahill said.
The longer the flight, the more of a risk blood clots become.
"You're sitting in an airplane seat for a prolonged period of time without moving your legs, which, uh, promotes pooling of the blood in the deep venous system," Dr. Cahill said.
To prevent blood clots, Cahill suggests:
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine
* Drink plenty of water
* Stand and walk every hour. If you can't get up, rotate your ankles and feet.
Then there is the stomach flu. It strikes planes, too, not just cruise ships.
"We do see these food-borne outbreaks that do occur, most commonly from the food that is prepared, and is then placed on the plane," Dr. Cahill said.
The Norwalk virus is one common culprit of the stomach flu. Make sure your food is cooked thoroughly, and avoid non-bottled water and ice cubes.
Last but not least there's head lice. It's a problem not just for children. The tiny bugs can be transmitted through shared pillows and blankets on the plane. It's best to bring your own.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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