How not to catch a virus on public transport

Dress for the weather

It's easy to dress in the cold just because stopping near your home is a bad idea. Even if you spend most of your time in transport.

You never know what awaits in the approaching minibus: stuffiness and crush or damp floor and open windows. You can get out of there both damp and completely frozen, which, according to some reports, increases the risk of catching a viral infection.

Protect yourself from the sick

It is impossible to completely secure yourself in transport. But you can reduce the risks. Moreover, going to the other end of the cabin is not as effective as simply turning away and holding your breath for a few seconds when someone sneezes or coughs.

Viruses and bacteria instantly scatter throughout the cabin, but quickly settle. It is important to protect the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes and mouth while the infection is still in the air.

For the same reason, do not strive to hide in the tail: according to the laws of physics, air currents along with viruses are ultimately directed there. At the door, a constant draft can cause hypothermia. Therefore, the places in the middle are the safest.

Touch less surrounding objects

Try to ride in a seated position to have less grip on the handrails. It is on them that viruses and bacteria settle, scattered through the air after sneezing and coughing of other passengers.

If possible, pay for travel with an electronic card, if you do not want to worry about how many different microbes live on bills and coins. The card is not only more convenient than cash, but also safer.

Do not touch your face or hair until you wash your hands or use an antiseptic.

Yes, on returning home, shoes must also be washed with warm water and soap. Most likely, there is more infection on her than on any other element of your wardrobe.

Don't rely on a medical mask

Modern doctors have an ambiguous attitude to medical masks. Experts at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for example, recommend wearing them only to those who have a cold and sneeze and cough - to protect others from infection. Experts from the World Health Organization add: the mask can also be useful for those who care for a person with ARVI, that is, is in regular and close contact with him.

In other cases, using masks is not very effective. However, they will protect you from accidentally touching your nose or mouth with dirty hands.

To wear or not - decide for yourself. Just keep in mind that the mask must be replaced with a new one as soon as it becomes moist from breathing (as a rule, this takes 2-3 hours).

Do not eat or drink on public transport

Otherwise, you will open a direct pathway for bacteria to enter your body. Be patient to your home or office where you can wash your hands. And eating in public transport is at least indecent.

Choose ground transportation

The subway is not the best means of transportation during an epidemic. Although the new cars already have a decontamination system, the subway is generally more humid and stale air. In such conditions, pathogens multiply perfectly and easily infect the organisms of a huge number of people gathered in the metro.

Avoid crowds

Skip the crowded minibus and wait for the next one. Choose a spacious tram or bus, albeit at the expense of speed. The less you come into contact with strangers, the lower the chance of contracting the disease.

Well, if the distance allows, try to walk. At least during epidemics - you will save yourself from infections. Plus, walking is beneficial in and of itself.