5 ms·

This is an important article about the dangers of engine chemicals mixing with the cabin air. There's also the airplane air quality issue not referenced in thi

This is an important article about the dangers of engine chemicals mixing with the cabin air. There's also the airplane air quality issue not referenced in this article about the recirculation filters against spreading airborne microbes. Who hasn't heard someone say "you always get a cold 3-5 days after taking an airflight". There must be articles about the epidemiology of airflight. (rate of appearance of novel virus serotypes around Atlanta, and Hillingdon, London, for example)

Chronic31 11y ago
I've never heard that.
uhokay 11y ago
Regarding the air quality issue, there was the 17 year old who won the International Science Fair for his air circulation invention: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/05/16/bc-student-wins-75000-top-prize-at-worlds-largest-high-school-science-fair.html http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/05/16/bc-student-win...
brc 11y ago
While it may be possible that their is an increase in colds after flights, it's probably down to a combination of factors - the cold, dry air in planes makes the ideal conditions for cold viruses in your nose and sinus, the shared bathrooms and confined seating makes it easy to pick up the virus on common surfaces, and finally, the time period before flights is often a time of stress (getting ready, making it to the airport etc), and the increased cortisol suppresses the immune system. All that makes a perfect setup for a cold virus to take hold. I would guess that taking a set of stressed people, and making them sit in a confined space with cold, dry air for ventilation would result in an increased incidence of viruses even with a perfect ventilation system.
xborns 11y ago
Hmm, as a frequent flyer once a week. I have gotten a cold maybe once so far that may be related to travel within last 12 months. All I mainly do is wash my hands before and right after flights.
GordonS 11y ago
I'm generally fine with short flights, but it does seem that after every long haul flight I get the cold or flu.

Chronic31 11y ago

I've never heard that.

uhokay 11y ago

Regarding the air quality issue, there was the 17 year old who won the International Science Fair for his air circulation invention: http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/05/16/bc-student-wins-75000-top-prize-at-worlds-largest-high-school-science-fair.html http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/05/16/bc-student-win...

brc 11y ago

While it may be possible that their is an increase in colds after flights, it's probably down to a combination of factors - the cold, dry air in planes makes the ideal conditions for cold viruses in your nose and sinus, the shared bathrooms and confined seating makes it easy to pick up the virus on common surfaces, and finally, the time period before flights is often a time of stress (getting ready, making it to the airport etc), and the increased cortisol suppresses the immune system. All that makes a perfect setup for a cold virus to take hold. I would guess that taking a set of stressed people, and making them sit in a confined space with cold, dry air for ventilation would result in an increased incidence of viruses even with a perfect ventilation system.

xborns 11y ago

Hmm, as a frequent flyer once a week. I have gotten a cold maybe once so far that may be related to travel within last 12 months. All I mainly do is wash my hands before and right after flights.

GordonS 11y ago

I'm generally fine with short flights, but it does seem that after every long haul flight I get the cold or flu.