Flu season is under way in England, with activity now above baseline levels, according to the latest UKHSA report*.The proportion of laboratory tests returning positive results for flu rose to 7.6% in the week ending 1st November, up from 6.8% the previous week.
Flu is easy to pick up wherever people gather, and travel is no exception. The good news is that research which tracked passengers on 10 transcontinental flights in the US found the risk of flu transmission on board is low beyond about a metre from an infectious passenger**, so a few simple habits can go a long way.
To help travelers avoid getting infected while travelling, Icelandair, Iceland’s flagship airline, has teamed up with Dr Mario Hupfeld, a microbiology expert at NEMIS Technologies AG, to share expert-backed hacks that will help passengers feel more comfortable and prepared when flying.
From using £1 resealable bags to the hand-sanitising step many travellers overlook, these practical tips cover everything from protecting personal belongings to navigating frequently touched surfaces.
- The £1 resealable bag to keep your belongings separate from shared surfaces
A pack of £1 resealable bags can be a useful addition to your hand luggage, helping to keep smaller personal belongings together and minimise direct contact with frequently touched areas of the plane, such as seat-back pockets.
Dr Mario Hupfeld explains:
“If I’m putting my headphones, phone accessories, or other small things into a seat-back pocket, I’d rather have them inside a clean, resealable bag because it’s a barrier between my belongings and the surface itself, and you can seal it again afterwards.”
For travellers packing antibacterial wipes too, Dr Hupfeld explains that the two serve different purposes:
“Resealable bags and wipes serve different purposes, and I would use them both. Wipes, depending on whether they’re intended for bacteria on surfaces or disinfectants, add another layer of protection. So put your items in a resealable bag, but also make sure you’re disinfecting everything that goes in, and disinfect the outside too.”
- The empty pillowcase trick, and why your skin will thank you
Packing an empty pillowcase is a simple way to create an extra layer between your face and a travel pillow. It may also be worth considering for long-haul flights, particularly if you’re prone to skin sensitivity or breakouts.
“I regularly pack a clean pillowcase myself to place over a travel pillow. Because a travel pillow that’s been used repeatedly has come into prolonged contact with different people, their hair and skin, and it’s inadvertently going to pick up their sweat, skin oils, and microorganisms. Once you’re done using the pillow/pillowcase, you need to pack it separately, ideally within another resealable bag.”
“Sleeping on an unwashed travel pillow can contribute to breakouts, skin irritation, or other skin problems, especially if it’s a long flight. Friction can also irritate your skin as your face rubs against the pillow. If you’re already prone to breakouts, the combination of trapped sweat and friction can make it worse.”
He also explains why keeping items that come into contact with your face clean can be helpful:
“Our skin is our body’s first barrier against microorganisms, with a slightly acidic environment and natural microorganisms that help prevent pathogens from settling in. However, items like pillows or face masks can pick up skin oils, sweat, dead skin and microorganisms, which can affect the skin barrier.”
- The hand-sanitising mistake you could be making before eating on a plane
Carrying a hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol can be useful when soap and water aren’t readily available.
However, Dr Hupfeld explains that it isn’t a complete replacement for washing your hands.
“Hand sanitiser is a useful alternative for the times you can’t use soap and water. The two aren’t always interchangeable, but sanitiser works well against many microorganisms, so long as you use enough of it to cover your hands entirely and then let it dry completely.”
“However, it does not remove dirt, grease, or chemical residues as effectively as washing would. But if your hands are visibly clean, you can use it right before eating, especially if you aren’t near a sink.”
Your phone is another item worth remembering before reaching for food, as Dr Hupfeld explains:
“Eating food immediately after boarding without first sanitising your hands is a big mistake. But I’d also point out that eating before you sanitise your phone is just as bad, because you’ve used it just as much as your hands, and it’s just as likely to have picked up germs.”
- The mask and air vent habit to consider during flu season
For travellers who want to take extra precautions during cold and flu season, wearing a protective face mask may be worth considering.
The doctor says:
“Most large passenger aircraft mix outside air with cabin air that passes through HEPA filters. The cabin air is also refreshed around 20 to 30 times an hour, which means the air is regularly cleaned.”
“If someone sitting next to you is coughing and talking, I would recommend wearing a face mask, especially for immunocompromised individuals, as well as leaving the air vent running if that’s more comfortable, but I’d do that for the airflow rather than assume it’s going to prevent infection.”
