People worried about catching infections in public transport during flu season

Nov 23 2012

As flu season gets underway, public transport such as buses, trains and subway trains head the list of places where people worry about catching viruses and infections, according to new research by Microban.

“Even if the bus or train company is very thorough in their cleaning, there is a considerable likelihood of cold and flu bacteria on surfaces such as grab handles and seats, especially during flu season.”

Forty nine per cent of 1,000 people surveyed were "concerned" or "very concerned" about levels of bacteria on buses, 46% on trains, 45% on subway trains, 43% on planes , 42% on coaches and 40% in taxis.

Flu season across Europe normally gets underway as temperatures start to drop towards the end of the year and carries on until Spring, points out antibacterial technology specialist Microban, which commissioned the research.

Alison Southcombe, director of marketing of the company, which is based in Staffordshire, said: "Everyone knows that sinking feeling when you get on a bus or a train during rush hour and the person you are jammed against starts sneezing and coughing. You think, 'Me next.'

"There is a quite a lot of evidence to suggest that public transport is a hot spot for bacterial cross-contamination with one study even suggesting that you are six times as likely to get certain respiratory illnesses if you have recently used a bus. Our new research shows that passengers are worried and this could well be justified."

Alison added that there was little that could be done to avoid airborne bacteria on public transport but that it could pay dividends not to handle any surfaces if possible and, if you do, to avoid touching your face until after you have thoroughly washed your hands.

She said: "Even if the bus or train company is very thorough in their cleaning, there is a considerable likelihood of cold and flu bacteria on surfaces such as grab handles and seats, especially during flu season."

Source Microban Europe