Traveling Safely in a World of Ebola Outbreaks
Your daily routine can’t come to a standstill just because there is a serious Ebola outbreak going on. You still have to conduct business and earn what you need to take care of yourself and your family.
If you have loved ones who live internationally, you’ll still want to be able to go and see them. However, in this age of viruses that can be so easily transmitted, you want to make sure that you travel safely.
That means being smart about every step you take in your travel itinerary. First, one of the easiest ways that any virus, especially Ebola, spreads is because of human contact.
Keep your distance
When you travel, you’re often elbow to elbow with your fellow traveler. You can start by making sure that you keep a safe distance between yourself and the next person in line.
Since some people have no concept of personal boundaries and will tend to crowd others, you can put a suitcase or briefcase between you and the next person in line when you’re waiting.
When you’re sitting, you can opt to keep an empty chair between you and the next person. If someone comes and sits right beside you, get up and walk to an area where you’re not crowded.
You don’t want to be breathing in someone else’s cough or sneeze droplets. If you have very young children, they’ve more susceptible to touch things and then put their hands in their mouths or rub their eyes.
For their sake, if you must travel with them, opt for a less crowded way to travel rather than by airplane if at all possible. Before you leave on your trip, look up any kind of public health warnings for the area you may be heading into.
Bring hygiene kit with you
If there are warnings, weigh the risks against what your purpose is for heading to that area. If you can’t avoid it, then travel with your personal safety in mind. Take a hygiene kit with you if you’re traveling by plane and don’t be afraid to clean off the arm rests and the seat with antibacterial wipes.
Try to maintain a distance. Sit so that your body and clothing don’t brush against the person beside you. Don’t be worried about looking rude by not shaking hands if a stranger tries to shake your hand.
You have no idea what that person has touched or where he’s traveled. If you have to fly, opt to fly first class even though it costs more money because first class won’t be as crowded.
Don’t touch your nose, eyes or mouth while you’re traveling before first washing your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. If you notice that a passenger in your area is acting ill, alert the flight attendant and ask if you can move seats to a different area.
