Frequent hand washing for in-flight infection control

Colds, flu, measles, mumps, and tuberculosis are just a few of the communicable diseases that can be transmitted from one person to another aboard an aircraft. This is worrisome to flight attendants, in particular, since they spend so much time in close quarters with passengers who may be infected.

Infectious diseases are transmitted aboard aircraft primarily through touching items and surfaces that infected persons may have coughed or sneezed on. The simple act of hand-washing may be the best defense against catching one of these diseases. A study carried out by researchers at the University of North Carolina has shown that washing with ordinary soap, and then rinsing with tap water, is actually the most effective way to rid hands of both bacteria and viruses at the same time.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you follow these steps for proper hand washing:

1. Wet your hands with warm water.
2. Apply a generous amount of soap
3. Rub your hands together for a full 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands.
5. Dry your hands with a paper towel.
6. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

If water and soap are NOT available, the CDC recommends that you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Look for a product with 62% ethanol based hand-sanitizer, preferably in a gel form.

For more information: Aircrew Exposure to Infectious Diseases.

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