Why should you not use blankets on passenger cars?

Blankets on buses help passengers keep warm when the air conditioner is cold. However, this is a shared item and often comes into direct contact with the skin and clothes of many people. If not changed, washed and dried after each use, blankets can accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, odors and allergens.

Microorganisms can also survive on fabric surfaces for a period of time. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says dirty linens can contain many microorganisms, but the number of illnesses identified related to contaminated linens is generally very small. Some skin diseases such as scabies can be transmitted through shared clothes, towels or bedding, although the main route of transmission is still prolonged skin contact with an infected person.

Therefore, if you do not know whether the blanket has been cleaned or not, you should prioritize a coat, scarf or personal blanket. If you must use it, check to see if the blanket has any odors, stains or is still damp; Only cover the outside of your clothes and avoid bringing the blanket close to your eyes, nose, and mouth. After getting off the bus, you should wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer, and wash your clothes if they are dirty.

In addition to blankets, pillows, handrails, folding tables and doorknobs are also surfaces touched by many people. Passengers should avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth; Clean hands before eating and after touching shared surfaces.

The risk of spreading respiratory diseases in vehicles mainly comes from many people staying for a long time in closed, crowded spaces with limited ventilation. Viruses that cause flu, Covid-19, measles or chickenpox can spread through the air or droplets from a sick person. Wearing a well-fitting mask, covering your cough, keeping your distance if possible and increasing ventilation are measures to help reduce the risk.

Before long trips or crowded holidays, each person should also check the vaccination schedule for themselves and their family. Vaccines help reduce the risk of contracting and severe progression of some infectious diseases.

Depending on age, underlying medical conditions, medical history, vaccination history and destination, passengers may need vaccinations or booster vaccinations for influenza, Covid-19, measles, chickenpox or meningococcus. In particular, there are 4 types of flu vaccine, given to children from 6 months to adults with no age limit, requiring a booster shot every year. Measles and chickenpox vaccines are available as single and combination vaccines to prevent mumps and rubella. A full two injections help prevent the disease up to 98%. There are 5 types of meningococcal vaccine that help fully prevent 5 common serogroups A, B, C, Y, W that cause sore throat, pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis for both children and adults. Each person needs to be vaccinated with a combination of meningococcal vaccines of groups B and A, C, Y, W to be effectively protected. You should talk to your doctor or medical staff before your trip to choose the appropriate vaccine and vaccination time, instead of applying a general schedule for everyone.