Flying around the holidays can be . . . less painful

DOCTOR’S ADVICE

In a recent survey by TripAdvisor, more than half the respondents polled admitted that they would fly with the flu to avoid paying a rebooking fee. Fortunately, more airlines, including Air Tran, are beginning to waive that fee for sick passengers - with a doctor’s note - in the wake of the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

A crowded plane may seem like a veritable Petri dish, but it is no more perilous than other modes of public transportation, says Mark Gendreau, senior staff physician and vice chair of emergency medicine at Lahey Clinic in Burlington and assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Tufts School of Medicine. Not surprisingly, most of the bacteria on an aircraft are in the bathroom, especially the handles of the sink and the door. Swine flu, in particular, is transmitted by sneezing and coughing, which releases large droplets that can travel about three feet.

The good news is that the ventilation systems on planes - designed back when smoking was allowed - are surprisingly efficient, exchanging air flow about 15 times an hour. “If the ventilation is working correctly,’’ Gendreau says, “it’s doing a good job of minimizing the risk.’’

HANDS DOWN

Gendreau suggests regularly sanitizing hands, drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoiding touching your nose, eyes, and mouth, which is how most respiratory viruses are introduced. Chronic sinusitis sufferers can use saline nasal spray to stay hydrated.

Gendreau also recommends directing the flow of the air vent to slightly in front of your face. “That will create enough turbulence so if there is an offending droplet coming your way, it doesn’t land on you.’’

And skip the airline-issue pillow and blanket, he says, “You don’t know where it’s been. Bring your own.’’

Margaret Loftus can be reached at margaretloftus@gmail.com.