Some of the most celebrated travelogues involve railroad travel and long boat journeys through pristine waters. Public transport has long facilitated travel for commercial and personal reasons. Even today, it continues to support countless journeys, filling lives with adventure and merriment.
But things can be challenging for those of us who have a fear of germs and toxins. Public transport, by its very nature, brings you into contact with many people and various surfaces. A Frontiers in Public Health study notes that since the frequency of people using public transportation is high, the exchange of microbes becomes likely.
While health concerns may seem like overkill for many people, they are legitimate anxieties for some. Let’s discuss how to make this less frustrating and prevent it from interfering with your love for exploration.
Not All Public Transport is Made Equal
Both trains and planes can pose a risk of disease transmission if you travel during flu season. Typically, planes have better air filtration systems. But then, you also stay in an enclosed space with several others, with no ventilation.
One preventive option is picking a window seat in the back of the plane. This seat can reduce your likelihood of getting sneezed upon, which is how most airborne diseases spread. You can get one of these prized seats if you book well in advance and check in at the airport early.
You can further enhance safety by wiping down the seat with a fresh disinfectant wipe. Some people prefer to clean the tray table and seatbelts to avoid coming in contact with settled air droplets. Besides germs, you may be worried about getting exposed to toxins on public transport.
The Federal Aviation Administration is evaluating complaints of toxic fumes from jet engines finding their way into the cockpit and airplane cabin. The ongoing railroad cancer lawsuit in many parts of the US highlights how many rail yard workers face occupational exposure to asbestos and benzene. These carcinogens have also been found in rail yards and locomotive cabins.
The good news is that legal action has resulted in increased awareness among regulatory bodies and community members. Gianaris Trial Lawyers notes that affected railyard workers can seek compensation from the liable parties based on medical evidence. Industry bodies now work toward minimizing exposure to hazards for workers and passengers through improved ventilation.
Educating yourself on these advancements is an effective way to find reassurance for using public transport.
Personal Protective Equipment is Not Uncool
Thousands of people wore masks when the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on society. (Although, to be fair, the world had its fair share of anti-mask groups.)
Cleveland Clinic notes that high-quality masks can ward off respiratory infections, such as the flu and the common cold. The main thing is to put them on correctly by covering both your nose and your mouth. Keeping a mask around your neck won’t achieve anything.
Some people assume that masks stand for a paranoid message: that you worry too much. They feel being over-cautious is uncool or “so OCD.” In reality, using personal protective equipment is a brilliant idea to stay safe and also keep others around you safe. For many, they could mean the difference between traveling to a coveted destination and looking at its pictures on their phones.
Strengthen Your Body From Within
Is the flu season near? Let’s ramp up our consumption of citrus fruits and green tea. Pop in immunity-boosting foods, from turmeric lattes to chicken soup. We have all been there. As it turns out, building up your body’s natural immune system is an excellent approach before using public transport.
According to medical experts, probiotics can improve gut health and immunity. You can find them in foods like (sugar-free) yogurt and kefir. Vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers have also been found to be beneficial for building up your body’s defenses. These immunity-boosting foods can act as a barrier between your body and harmful microbes.
Of course, it won’t help much to consume these foods right before taking a journey and expecting miracles! The idea is to adopt a healthier, more balanced diet that slowly bolsters your natural preparedness.
Another approach is to stay updated with your vaccinations, particularly in flu season. New research emphasizes the validity of “original antigenic sin,” a phenomenon that determines our body’s response to viruses. Not introducing the latest vaccine to your body can impede your response to new microbial exposure.
In any case, it is worthwhile consulting with your doctor to check if you are prepared for the journey ahead. They might prescribe you preventive medication if you display signs of compromised immunity.
Public transport is a sustainable and environment-friendly way of travel. It also has inherent romance and mystique, allowing you to meet new people and have fresh experiences you cannot expect in your personal car. The global public transportation network is expanding impressively, and many far-off places are now connected by railways and airplanes.
Here’s hoping the above strategies can help you prepare for availing public transport, without letting apprehensions become a spoilsport.