Why Do Humans Get Sick on Airplanes?

Airplanes are like tiny, crowded rooms. When you're flying with hundreds of other people who might be sneezing or coughing, germs can spread quickly because the air is recirculated and not always fresh. The dry air in the cabin also makes it easier for viruses to survive and multiply.

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Examples

A child on a flight sneezes and gets everyone around them sick.
An old man catches a cold from his neighbor’s cough.
A family shares the same recirculated air and ends up with the flu.

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Categories: Health · airplane· germs· health· travel· illness