More ventilation would reduce infections caught during air travel

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A review of the evidence suggests that increasing ventilation would reduce the risk of infections, including tuberculosis, in aircraft.
When you travel on an airplane, you may be exposed to pathogens, though overcrowding and poor ventilation. A team at Lahey Clinic Medical Center has reviewed the medical evidence on infections caught during air travel.

They say it's possible to catch tuberculosis if you're sitting within two rows of someone with the disease if you are on a long haul flight. This has implications for the spread of other air-borne diseases like SARS. But there are things that can be done to reduce the spread of infection on board.

An increase in air circulation and ventilation could help, say the researchers. Spraying with insecticide can be also useful in reducing insect-borne disease. There is a need to increase awareness among passengers of the health risks of air travel, without raising undue alarm. One simple measure is increased hand hygiene. Taking a pack of antiseptic wipes with you on board is a simple way of reducing the risk of catching a nasty infection.

Source
The Lancet 12th March 2005