How to avoid catching a cold on public transport

It’s not just paranoia; one study by the University of Nottingham in 2011 found those who use public buses or trams were up to six times more likely to catch the common cold.

In fact, up to 15% of the population will be struck down with a cold virus during the winter months, according to data from the World Health Organization. ‘This is a key time for the onward transmission of colds, as people are closer together for longer periods of time,’ says Dr Gary McLean, an honorary research fellow in the Airway Disease Infection Section of the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London.

Here are some top tips to help you avoid picking up a cough or cold on public transport this winter.

What if I’m squashed next to a sniffer?

One of the main ways of catching a cold is through inhaling airborne droplets or mucus from an infected person – research by a cold and flu specialist found that just one sneeze could infect up to 150 commuters within five minutes.

As sneezes and coughs can travel a large distance very quickly, standing sideways to them is safer than standing directly opposite. If they do sneeze or cough, try not to breathe in for a few seconds.

Patient picks for Cough

Chest and lungs

Is your cough really a chest infection?

With the average adult suffering an estimated 2-5 colds per year, and children around 10, most of us are no stranger to runny noses, coughs and sneezes. A bit of rest, plenty of fluids, taking paracetamol and perhaps a little honey and lemon are usually all it takes to see off a cold - without a visit to the GP. But if a cough lingers for longer than usual, or we feel particularly unwell, we may start to wonder if we've developed a chest infection. Unlike colds, chest infections may need additional treatment, including antibiotics in the case of bacterial infections such as pneumonia. So, what symptoms should we look out for?

by Gillian Harvey

Chest and lungs

Cough

Coughing is an automatic reaction to try to clear your airways. The cough reflex protects the airways and lungs. It is important to seek medical attention if a cough has lasted for more than three weeks. If the cough is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing up blood or weight loss it is important to seek medical attention.The most common causes of cough are mentioned below.

by Dr Pippa Vincent, MRCGP

Should I avoid touching anything?

Surfaces like handles, buttons and handrails are key places for cold viruses to linger, but whether you pick them up depends on the length of time the virus has been on the surface, the amount of virus deposited by an infected person and, if you then transfer the bugs by touching your eyes and nose, the ‘optimal portal’ for entry.

If you see a sick person touching certain surfaces, avoid contact with the same ones but if you have to, definitely don’t touch your nose or eyes afterwards.

There is no particular ‘hotspot’ for colds and other viruses on public transport; it can be any place where people’s hands leave behind a reasonable amount of virus that will then be touched by another person. Be aware of escalator handrails, ticket machines, maps, etc too, not just the handrails on the bus or Tube.

Do I need a face mask?

Australian researchers discovered that wearing a face mask at home could help protect you from picking up the flu virus if someone else is ill, but experts agree they’re not effective on public transport.

This is because you may not be wearing the mask properly – so germs can still get in – and you can easily pick up a virus if you touch something and then rub your eyes. Plus, if you take the mask on and off with dirty hands, you increase your risk of infection.

What else can I do?

When you’re on the go, use an alcohol-based antibacterial hand gel, known to kill viruses, after taking public transport. However, washing your hands with soap and water is best, so do that when you arrive at work or get home. If you’re really worried, it doesn’t hurt to wipe down any handrails with an antiseptic wipe.

To avoid catching the influenza virus, which is much more severe than the common cold, you should get the flu vaccine if you’re in an at-risk group: the elderly, the very young, those who are pregnant, those with weakened immune systems, and those with lung diseases.

Playlist: Cold vs. Flu

2 videos

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What is a cold?

Dr Roger Henderson, MBBS

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What is a cold?

Dr. Roger Henderson, MBBS

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What is influenza?

Dr. Roger Henderson, MBBS

Tips while travelling

• It sounds harsh, but try to avoid small talk with ill passengers – one study by the Queensland University of Technology found a sick person could spread a virus as easily as coughing or sneezing by simply breathing.

• Try to sit in emptier areas such as the back of the bus, or in train carriages which are less full than others – this minimises your risk of sitting near infected people.

• If you are on a train with windows, try to open them to get as much ventilation as possible – this reduces your risk of breathing in airborne viruses.

And if you’re the one with the cold? Stay at home – as well as protecting your fellow commuters, your colleagues will thank you for not spreading those germs all around the office too.