How likely is it that I will get sick travelling on public transport?
7 February, 2023

Whether you travel on public transport regularly or only occasionally, there is always a chance of contracting the virus in the vehicle. The risk of getting sick on public transport is determined by a number of factors, which we will discuss in this article. You will also learn how you can protect yourself from getting sick on public transport.

Can I get sick while travelling on public transport?

The likelihood that you may become ill while travelling on public transport usually depends on a number of factors. Perhaps the most important factor is the current infection rate in the area you are travelling to or from. Other factors include regulations about wearing masks and spacing, your immunity and the occupancy of the public transport vehicle.

For example, one study found that using public transport no more than 5 days before the onset of symptoms was associated with a nearly six-fold increased risk of respiratory disease. The same study also showed that irregular public transport travellers had a higher risk of infection.

In general, staying indoors with large numbers of people can increase the risk of infection. Thus, in addition to public transport vehicles, crowded shopping centres, theatres and cinemas are also places at risk.

How can I protect myself?

There is a risk of getting sick while using public transport, but that doesn't mean you have to stop using it. If you want to protect yourself and significantly reduce your risk of getting sick while travelling on public transport, follow these tips.

Wear a drape

Wearing a resistant drape to cover your mouth and nose can help prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that carry the virus. Choose a quality drape with proven antiviral activity, such as one from Prolen® Medical, made from durable polypropylene fibre.

Maintain good hand hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. If possible, wash your hands as soon as possible after travelling on public transport. Alternatively, you can use alcohol-based portable hand sanitisers.

Maintain spacing

Try to keep as much distance as possible on public transport. If you don't want to wear a face shield or have forgotten one, stand to the side or with your back to people who are sneezing and coughing. If a person near you sneezes or coughs, try not to breathe air for a few seconds.

Wear protective clothing

Protective clothing such as gowns or gloves will give you an extra layer of protection against infection when travelling on public transport.Prolen® Medical 's protective gloves with silver and zinc ions will help protect your hands from contact with contaminated surfaces. Antiviral protective gowns also provide effective protection, preventing viruses from being transferred to your clothing.

It is important to reduce the risk of infection

You can actually get sick while travelling on public transport, especially if there is a high infection rate in the area. Overcrowding and compromised immunity also increase the risk. The elderly, people with diabetes or chronic heart and lung disease may have a higher chance of contracting an infection. However, you can effectively protect yourself from getting sick on public transport by keeping your distance, practicing good hand hygiene and using protective equipment.