Fear of flying infections exaggerated, study finds

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

SYDNEY (AFP) — The widely-held belief that passengers crowded aboard airliners are exposed to a high risk of catching infectious diseases is exaggerated, an Australian government study has found.

The belief that the air in planes is full of contaminants is based on the perception that it is continually recycled with limited input from outside, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said in a report released Tuesday.

But if recirculation and filtration systems are working properly, the risk from flying -- as far as bugs are concerned at least -- should be no worse than travelling by bus or eating in a restaurant, the study suggests.

"The risk of transmission of infection on board an aircraft is probably no greater than, and perhaps less than, other...