Five germiest places in airports

July 3, 2012

July 03--Why is it that after traveling, I feel like I need a shower? Perhaps it's because of germy travelers and enclosed spaces.

Airports are a huge culprit when it comes to spreading germs. Here are some tips from Peter J. Sheldon Sr. of Coverall Health-Based Cleaning System on how to avoid these top 5 germiest places.

1. The airplane bathroom -- With anywhere from 50 to 75 users per toilet, the airplane washroom is hands-down the germiest place on the trip. Numerous studies have shown that these are teeming with E. coli on almost every surface. Because they are rarely sanitized between flights, there is also the cumulative effect of hundreds of users before it gets a good scrubbing. The tiny sink makes it nearly impossible to thoroughly wash your hands, and those who manage it are instantly greeted by the germy door handle upon departure.

Steer Clear: Avoid using the on-board facilities if at all possible. If you must, use a paper towel to turn faucets off and on, to close the lid before flushing (always a good idea, even at home) and to open the door. Carry sanitizing wipes in your pocket and use them thoroughly and immediately upon exit. Back at your seat, repeat sanitizing if you've touched anything along the way.

2. The onboard magazines -- One study found that as many as 30 percent of passengers don't wash up after using the airport restroom either. Add in the usual coughs, sneezes and runny noses that carry thousands of germs to every surface, and those magazines and catalogs in the seat back pocket are a virtual biohazard. And, how many times have you seen someone absentmindedly lick their finger to help turn the page?

Steer Clear: Bring your own reading material and avoid touching anything in that seatback pocket unless you absolutely must refer to the emergency evacuation instructions in the event of an actual emergency.

3. The water fountain -- Between the high cost of beverages in the terminal and new FAA rules that disallow liquid containers over a certain size, it may be tempting to drink from the public fountain, or to refill an empty bottle here rather than buy a new one. Don't do it. Public drinking fountains can harbor as many as 2.7 million bacteria per square inch on the spigot. It's not worth the risk to save a few bucks

Steer Clear: Bring water from home in small bottles. In most cases, as long as they are still sealed, security officials will allow you to pass through with no problem. If you're unsure, or want to avoid the extra weight in your carry-on, buy one from a vendor in the terminal. Once onboard the plane, ask for bottled water from the beverage cart. Do not, however, drink "tap" water from the plane (or coffee or tea made from it). Studies have shown airplane water may contain contaminants such as E. coli and others as a result of questionable techniques for filling the tanks and improper/malfunctioning filter systems.

4. The airline pillows and blankets -- On a typical flight with 100 passengers, statistics show that about five will be ill with a cold or the flu. Zonked out on cold medicine, these folks might enjoy a cozy nap with their airline pillow and blankie. But, upon touchdown, rapid clean-ups between flights means that when you board, there's a good chance you could be using a pillow that's been drooled or sneezed on within the past hour.

Steer Clear: Say "No Thanks!" to germy airline pillows and blankets and bring your own. U-shaped neck pillows can be quite comfortable and keep you from drifting into neighboring passengers' personal space. Or, if you're cramped for suitcase space, throw some clothes into a pillow case at home, tie it shut and bring that along to rest your head. Wear or carry an extra layer (like a sweater or light jacket).

5. The security line -- You know the drill: shoes off, empty your pockets into the bin, put your carry-on on the belt. As you stroll barefooted through the security checkpoint, have you considered the millions who have gone before you? Athlete's foot and other fungal infections can easily be left behind, just waiting for their next host.

Steer Clear: Always wear socks when traveling to avoid going barefoot through the security checkpoint. In fact, it's a good idea to wear sturdy shoes, so that you'll be better prepared in the event of an emergency landing or other onboard situation. Plus, you won't have to worry about blowing out a flip-flop as you run to your gate.

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