Each year, about 1 billion Americans fly in airplanes. This number has decreased tremendously with the increase in Coronavirus infection. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has been in the front line discouraging nonessential travels to curb the infection. Some countries have also placed travel bans on countries with a higher spread of the virus.

How to Keep Safe During the Flight

Families cannot avoid some travel plans; thus, parents should take the necessary precautions before leaving home with their kids. Airlines have also taken stick measures to curb the spread of the virus. About 1 billion colds are had in the USA each year, and the airlines have tried to contain them, too.

The risks of contracting the virus in a plane are minimal because of air circulation and filtration during the flight. However, people, especially children, are affected by fear of flying (aviophobia). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 6.5 percent of Americans fear flights due to incidences of plane crashes. But accidents occur everywhere; every year, nearly 4.5 million people are injured in car accidents. With the above statistics, people still use car transport, so no one should fear taking a flight.

Ways to Minimize Risks

Before taking a flight, check out the airline’s safety measures far in advance, such as observing strict mask policies, air filtration inside the plane, and how frequently the plane is cleaned and disinfected. Nevertheless, some actions are individually based; according to World Health Organization, air travelers can manage the infection by washing hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, wearing masks properly, and observing social distancing. Other measures to watch in a flight are:

Sticking to your seat

Try to maintain social distance by staying far from other passengers in a plane. Frequent moves to the bathroom and touching surfaces increase the risks of infection.

Use a Face shield

According to Dr. Henry Wu of the Emory University of Medicine in Atlanta, a face shield offers more protection than a face mask. It prevents droplets from getting into the eyes.

Avoid Long Flights

The longer you stay on the flight, the higher the chance of infection. If possible, avoid flights for more than five hours, but if you must travel too long distances, break up the trip.

Lastly, if you must leave home, protect your family and other passengers in all ways possible. Take quarantine measures after arriving and returning. Travelers can manage Covid infections by adhering to preventive measures.