11 March, 2020
Viruses,
bacteria, germs. Whether you’re preparing for a long
haul flight back home, heading into the countryside or simply
picking up groceries for your neighbours, we don’t want these
nasties in our personal space. If you have to travel, follow these
six simple steps to reduce the chance of getting sick on the
road.
Way before the new C-word (aka coronavirus)
put travel plans on pause and seasons before Virgil Abloh made
surgical face masks cool, I’ve been travelling with a pack of
disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer and a hospital face mask in my
carry on – something like Mrs Hinch when she goes on holiday.
Call me neurotic, but I was fed up of getting sick from flying and
battling a bug the moment I landed.
Despite the scaremongering headlines, we shouldn’t start
stockpiling loo roll and refusing to leave our houses. Thanks to
shared, recirculated air that’s as dry as the desert, getting sick
while flying – or commuting, we all know the Central Line is a grim
place to be at the best of times – was a risk way before COVID-19
entered our orbit. To reduce the chance of getting ill while
travelling, we just need to travel smarter and keep it clean.
Regardless of what’s in the air, here are six ways to kill bacteria
on the go.
Regardless of what’s in the air, here are six ways to kill
bacteria on the go.
It sounds obvious and no doubt you’re a bit over being told how
to wash your hands, but the best way to get keep bacteria and
viruses at bay really is to keep your mitts clean. Use your common
sense and increase the number of times you usually wash your hands
when you’re on the go. Sing along to your favourite lyrics for 20
seconds – make your own Wash Your Lyrics meme here – while
soaping up. Lip-syncing, optional.
Thought copping that oversized Bottega Veneta clutch was this
season’s hottest accessory? Wrong. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers
are the must-buy of 2020. That bottle of bougie hand wash may look
good in your make-up bag or on display in your bathroom, but
anything less than 60 per cent alcohol is pretty ineffective. Ditch
it for a medically approved one.
Limit your caffeine intake the and definitely rethink ordering
that G&T en route. Drinking water regularly will stop your
throat and nose drying out and will help give your body’s natural
fighting mechanisms a boost.
Studies have found that window seats are the “safest” seat to
sit in to prevent getting sick and that aisle seats are a hotbed
for germs. Sorry tall travellers, but scientifically speaking this
is because window seats typically receive less exposure than the
aisle, which people use to steady themselves as they come back from
the loo/ getting food/ stretching their legs.
Before you take your seat or grab that tube pole, clean surfaces
you’re going to touch with disinfectant wipes – make sure these too
contain 60 per cent alcohol content or more. Wipe down your
armrests, seat belts, buckles, tray table, TV in the seat or tube
poles, basically anything you’re going to touch. Pay special
attention to the seat pocket on the plane. Ask any air hostess and
they’ll tell you people use this like a personal bin. Gross.
Viruses and co. are easily transmitted, so by touching your face
or rubbing your eyes you’re more likely to catch something. Wearing
a surgical mask won’t stop you from catching germ per se, but it
will stop you touching your mouth and nose after you’ve used
something that could be contaminated. Pack this Off-White version to keep it
fashun, darling.
