Ever since the SARS outbreak in Asia in 2003, there are heightened fears that serious diseases can be caught while traveling – in particular flying. Although airplanes’ air systems are meant to be able to clean up some airborne bugs, it’s not foolproof especially when people are sitting in close contact anyway for a period of time. These are some additional precautions to take amid the current MERS scare and worries over drug resistant Tuberculosis.
What is the current concern over MERS?
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is a cousin of the SARS virus (it’s a coronavirus). First diagnosed in Saudi Arabia in 2012, there have been 1,227 cases as of June 12 with 449 deaths and is thought to have originated from camels. While the spread of MERS in the Mid-East has been relatively limited, it is thought that this is due to most cases occurring in smaller towns away from key urban areas. And, more importantly, this virus has a relatively short lifespan once airborne.
However, it remains a scary disease as there is no cure and the mortality rate has been high as it triggers other complications, particularly among those who are already fighting other illnesses, have lung and/or kidney problems, and diabetes. The problem now is that the outbreak in South Korea (126 cases as of June 12) is in a much more densely populated urban area and among people who travel much more, so the spread may now widen.
Why are coronaviruses so deadly?
Studies following the SARS outbreak show that coronaviruses, which are alien to the human body (no historical exposure, so no antibodies), trigger intense immune responses in infected people. As a result, the body generates a large amount of white blood cells to attack the virus. The problem thus, is that this imbalance leads to respiratory problems. This is why those highest at risk to coronaviruses are those who are already ill and those with lung disease.
What about the recent tuberculosis (TB) issue in the U.S.?
An Indian woman flew into the U.S. (Chicago) from India with a drug resistant form of TB. The good news about TB is that it is not as easily communicable as the flu virus so there’s little reason to worry about catching this over short flights. However, if you’re unlucky to sit next to someone at their most contagious over a long haul flight, there is a chance, albeit low, of catching the disease.
First world countries have more success in treating such stubborn cases of TB due to access to drugs but developing nations, especially India, face a bigger problem. Those of us living in places such as Singapore should not have to worry excessively about TB but I think if you fly regularly to or spend more time in India or China, it should be mentioned to doctors if you do come down with a bad cough or cold (actually, it should be mentioned if you’ve been traveling anyway).
The N95 mask is the most effective precaution
The most effective prevention measure is to wear the N95 mask according to Dr. Chong Yeoh Wei, former president of the Singapore Medical Association and doctor at Singapore Medical Specialists Centre.
Incidentally, the “95” in N95 stands for the result from testing that 95% of particles are blocked by these masks. While it’s not 100% fool proof, it’s still the best tool out there. The FDA approved N95 masks (for public use) are the 3M Particulate Respirators 8670F and 8612F and the Pasture F550G and A520G Respirators. Unfortunately, these masks are not available in children’s sizes and may not be that effective for younger children as they won’t fit tightly (also won’t work well for those with beards).
The drawback of the masks is that I find them to be hot and breathing through them difficult. So for those with breathing problems, an N95 mask with a valve – so exhaling is easier – may be best, according to the FDA. The valve also reduces the heat buildup.
What are some other precautions to take when flying?
Besides the N95 mask, washing hands regularly and keeping surfaces clean may also help. June Mok, a former drug company marketing executive, brings a pack of antiseptic wipes and proceeds to wipe down the following on entering the plane:
- Remote controls
- Seatbelt buckle
- Any item that went through X-ray screening (due to possible dirt on the belt, plastic trays, etc.)
- Any item around the chair that prior passengers may have touched – trays, arm rests, etc.
She does this because she thinks that given short turnaround times of some flights, a thorough wipe down may not necessarily have been conducted by ground crew. June also wipes down the remote controls in hotel rooms as housekeeping may not clean these.
My husband also makes sure that he covers any open drinks that he is having that may be sitting on his tray for some time (I’m not totally convinced on this one since he uses a tissue as the cover, but it makes him feel better).
As June says, “start your trip with a clean mind – you’ll feel better anyway”.