How do you avoid getting sick on a plane? Team USA’s doctor has answers

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Wall Street Journal or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Team USA’s doctor has shared expert tips on how to avoid getting sick while flying, offering advice tailored for Olympic athletes who often travel internationally
• His recommendations, focused on hygiene and seating strategies, can be applied by anyone looking to minimize their risk of illness during flights
• Despite the global pandemic being in the past, the doctor’s insights show that being cautious in the close quarters of an airplane remains crucial

🔭 The context: Airplanes, with their confined spaces and circulated air, have long been associated with a higher risk of contracting viruses, particularly respiratory infections
• As international travel ramps up, many frequent fliers, especially elite athletes, continue to follow strict health protocols to protect themselves from germs
• While the pandemic may have shifted focus, the fundamentals of good hygiene and smart seating choices remain valuable for avoiding illness

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As global air travel continues to grow, maintaining health while flying is a key consideration for not only athletes but also travelers at large
• Following health measures to avoid illness not only improves personal well-being but can help reduce the spread of diseases in communities around the world
• This is particularly important as global interconnectedness through travel plays a role in the spread of both common and novel infections

⏭️ What's next: Travelers, especially those flying long distances or to high-risk destinations, are likely to continue adopting health-conscious habits on planes
• The travel industry may also continue to enhance its cleaning protocols and offer more tools to help passengers maintain hygiene during flights, further reducing health risks

💬 One quote: "The most important thing is to control your environment as much as possible, and that starts with where you sit and how you manage your surroundings,” said Team USA’s doctor.

📈 One stat: Studies show that the air quality in airplanes can be as much as 50% more likely to harbor germs compared to other public spaces due to the recirculation of air

Explore carbon credit purchases, total emissions, and climate targets of thousands of companies on Data Hub™ — the first platform designed to help sustainability providers generate sales leads!

Click for more news covering the latest on wellbeing