WITI-TV, MILWAUKEE -
The death toll from swine flu is going up in Wisconsin. 35 people in the state have now died from H1N1 since spring.
Within the last week there were four more deaths, one in Washington County, and the others in Dane, Menominee, and Outagamie Counties. That has families worrying about staying clear of the H1N1 virus this holiday season.
General Mitchell International Airport is doing it's part to protect travelers against the spread of disease. They recently renovated the public restrooms installing touchless soap, water dispensers, and hand dryers.
Transportation Safety Administration Personnel are also trying to keep passengers germfree, by wearing gloves and sanitizing their hands. TSA Rep Kelley Caputo says, "We also sanitize the tables with rubbing alcohol everyday."
Once you're in the plane it's all on you, and what you do before you even take off can make a difference. The ventilation system of a plan is very similar to that of a car. In that, if you want fresh air to come in from outside you have that option, but you also have the option of recirculation the air that's already in here.
The air inside a plane is usually recirculating when it is no longer at the gate before taking off. Dr. Richard Olds from Froedtert & Medical College says, "Typically what I recommend is you close the vent when you get on the plan and don't turn it on until you're up in the air."
Dr. Olds says a sneeze can be airborne for several second that's why this rule is important. He believes the virus eventually lands, and that's why the best form of prevention is still keeping your hands clean. Olds advises that travelers keep pocket sanitizers and use them frequently.
Dr. Olds wants you to know that you're more likely to catch H1N1 waiting to get on a plane than sitting in it. Dr. Olds says headphones, pillows and blankets on a plane don't pose too much of a risk, but he still recommends bringing your own.
Within the last week there were four more deaths, one in Washington County, and the others in Dane, Menominee, and Outagamie Counties. That has families worrying about staying clear of the H1N1 virus this holiday season.
General Mitchell International Airport is doing it's part to protect travelers against the spread of disease. They recently renovated the public restrooms installing touchless soap, water dispensers, and hand dryers.
Transportation Safety Administration Personnel are also trying to keep passengers germfree, by wearing gloves and sanitizing their hands. TSA Rep Kelley Caputo says, "We also sanitize the tables with rubbing alcohol everyday."
Once you're in the plane it's all on you, and what you do before you even take off can make a difference. The ventilation system of a plan is very similar to that of a car. In that, if you want fresh air to come in from outside you have that option, but you also have the option of recirculation the air that's already in here.
The air inside a plane is usually recirculating when it is no longer at the gate before taking off. Dr. Richard Olds from Froedtert & Medical College says, "Typically what I recommend is you close the vent when you get on the plan and don't turn it on until you're up in the air."
Dr. Olds says a sneeze can be airborne for several second that's why this rule is important. He believes the virus eventually lands, and that's why the best form of prevention is still keeping your hands clean. Olds advises that travelers keep pocket sanitizers and use them frequently.
Dr. Olds wants you to know that you're more likely to catch H1N1 waiting to get on a plane than sitting in it. Dr. Olds says headphones, pillows and blankets on a plane don't pose too much of a risk, but he still recommends bringing your own.
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