Mass Transit: Subways and Buses a Breeding Ground to Catch Cold and Flu?
Tips for Avoiding the Cold and Flu on Buses and Trains
"The best thing you can do is hand hygiene," said Gerba. "The rails and poles you hold on to -- that tends to be germy."
If a sink is not within reach, carrying around an antimicrobial hand gel that is alcohol-based can be a good alternative to soap and water.
"I would emphasize using any antimicrobial hand gel -- I take that on airlines," recommends Dr. Mark Dykewicz, professor of internal medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine.
Other measures normally associated with cold and flu prevention apply on public transit as well. This includes eating well and exercising, general good health practices and getting the flu shot every year.
"In general, if people would go and get their flu shots, that might help stop some of the transmission," says Dr. Phyllis Kozarsky, expert consultant in the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
And if you have the flu, Kozarsky says, it behooves you to respect your fellow travelers by simply staying home.
"Unfortunately, we're often in crowded places -- crowded shopping malls before Christmas, schools, not just on public transportation." says Kozarsky. "It's important to be courteous. When you yourself have a fever or cold, it's best to stay at home. [Also], keep your kids at home if they're sick."
No Love From the Gloves
Usually during the cold winter months, we don heavy coats, scarves and gloves to shield us from the blistering weather. But wearing these items while traveling does not necessarily keep us safe from cold and flu viruses. Kozarsky says that what you do with gloves afterward is key.
"You're sitting on the bus, touching the handles, the bars, touching and rubbing your eyes and your face with your gloves," says Kozarsky, adding that in most cases, people are not washing or disposing of their gloves after wearing them.
"They give people an artificial sense that they're helping themselves," Kozarsky remarks. "Hand-washing is more preferable."
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