Words Kathryn Blundell. Photographs iStock, Shutterstock
BUGS ON BOARD!
Dread getting sick in the sky? New research has looked into why it happens. Scientists modelled the way germs spread on planes and found choosing to sit in an aisle seat rather than beside the window makes you more likely to get infected by a sick air steward. Researchers looked at 10 transcontinental flights during flu season, and found a sick crew member was likely to infect more than four passengers a flight, whereas a sick passenger infected less than one. If you’re seated within a row or two seats of an infected passenger, though, you have an 80 per cent chance of catching the bug. Cold and flu bugs are usually picked up via droplets that get propelled short distances when someone sneezes, coughs, talks, or even breathes. Choose your seat wisely, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face. Also take a supplement like Vitabiotics Immunace (£7.39 for 30 tablets at Hollandandbarrett.com) to bolster your immunity before you fly. For more info on how to stay well on holiday, turn to p32.