Germs, bugs and bacteria. Follow these simple rules to avoid getting sick on your next flight

RESEARCHERS have reported some shocking findings about the germs on planes. Here’s how to avoid getting sick when flying.

How to avoid this during your next flight.

MOST of us already think of planes as hotbeds for nasty germs. But if you need a study for confirmation, just consider this report from researchers at Auburn University, who found that MRSA infection — an antibiotic-resistant strain of staph bacteria — can survive on aeroplane surfaces for four to seven days, depending on the surface.

And E. coli? That potentially deadly bug can survive for up to four days on typical aeroplane surfaces, the researchers found.

You might want to wear this on your next flight. Picture: kylie simourd.

When you consider the number of humans who fly each day and the fact that flight attendants probably only wash tray tables during overnight stopovers, this is some really scary news.

So how do you avoid getting sick from your next flight?

1. WASH. YOUR. HANDS

It sounds too simple, but almost every professional says it’s the most effective way to stay healthy. Even antibacterial gel can’t substitute for 20 seconds of scrubbing between your fingers and under nails, where 70 per cent of germs are known to hide.

(Bonus for shoddy plane bathrooms: the water you use can be either hot or cold — the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says it doesn’t matter).

Remember the 20 second rule.

2. Don’t use the tray table

There’s the aforementioned lack of washing and threat of E. coli remnants. Antibacterial wipes might help reduce your tray table’s germ count, but some expert travellers say they prefer to just keep their tables upright altogether.

Better to eat off your lap than trust the tray tables.

3. Bring your own blanket and pillow

Unless you’re on the first flight of the day, it’s probable the blankets they give you have been used and refolded from the last flight (MAJOR ew).

You’re not the first one to make use of the free pillow.

4. Stay away from aisle seats

As Rick Seaney (co-founder of farecompare.com) asked, “As a sick person makes his/her way to the bathroom, which seat backs will they be grabbing for support?”

5. Open your air vent

Circulation keeps sickness outbreaks at bay. And despite what you may have heard, plane air is filtered and safe. Let it flow.

Crank up the air if you want to stay healthy mid-flight.

6. Ask to move if your seat mate is sick

When sneeze particles might travel as far as nine metres at speeds of 56 km/h, there’s no reason to take chances. Don’t be afraid to ask your flight attendant if there are other open seats — they’ve dealt with (and granted) crazier requests before.

7. Hydrate often, and with hot water

Drinking water is extra-critical on planes, where the air can be up to 55 per cent drier than in a typical indoor setting. You’ll consume more water overall if you sip in spurts instead of chugging at once, and the steam from hot drinks keeps your protective membranes moist in the cabin’s dry environment.

Ditch wine for water, it’s not as fun but you’ll feel better at the end.

8. Line your nasal passages

You can also combat cabin dryness with a nasal spray, which will increase the activity of tiny hairs in your nose that block germs. Apparently, swabbing some Vaseline into your nostrils works, too.

9. Make sure your meal is hot

The US Foods and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously warned us about bacteria and aeroplane food, but heat should quash most harmful bacteria.

If it’s not hot, send it back.

10. Open lavatory doors — and overhead bins, for that matter — with a paper towel or sleeve

Approximately 50 people will use the bathroom on an average flight. Don’t collect their germs.

As you’d expect, the bathroom is full of germs.

11. Rest up so you’re not worn down

Before, during and after your flight, it helps to give your system the fuel for fending off illness.

This article originally appeared in the Huffington Post.