7 Ways to Stay Healthy on Public Transportation

By Eric Leech, Planet Green

Germs are everywhere, but they can be particularly concentrated where there are large amounts of people packed into close quarters. This description practically defines public transportation in many areas of the world, which is why it is so important to have a healthy immune system when you are traveling via these means. Here are seven tips to boost your immunity and reduce your contact with bacteria and viruses while traveling any of the Planet Green approved forms of public transportation.

Eat Well and Take Your Vitamins Several Days before Your Trip

We all know that we should eat right every day, but sometimes it helps to be reminded. A healthy immune system thrives from proper nourishment. When traveling on public systems of transportation it becomes particularly important to make sure you are getting enough vitamin D and C, which helps boost immune system function and are found to be deficient in a surprising number of people. Garlic is not a bad addition to your diet too if you regularly travel via public transportation.

Have a Positive Attitude When you Travel

Positive emotions have been found in studies by Carnegie Mellon University to bolster the immune system and help keep colds at bay. Interesting, it is not so much being happy during the moment you are traveling that is important, but rather your general outlook on life that seems to matter the most.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Maxine H.

4:28AM PST on Feb 16, 2012

Two silly articles on making us germ free. We all need a good reminder about washing our hands often and looking out for areas of particular danger. However using those waterless cleaners too frequently damages the normal flora on the skin of humans that helps keep the more dangerous ones at bay. Human beings were never meant to be germ free. Our immune system needs mild challenges to keep active and protective. Your articles suggest that the environment is so dangerous that we have to rub our skin with alcohol after every single action we do outside and inside the home. That is overkill and its hard to believe we would thrive in a germ free environment. These articles should have shown more balance.

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Robyn L.

9:25AM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

I thought this article, while needing some editing ( plain is not a form of transport) is far superior to the linked "Germiest Places" article from Prevention.
Planet Green did a fine job reminding people of not-so- common sense.
Wash your hands, live a health-supporting lifestyle and get yourself some room to breathe, and wash up with plain ( on the plane?) soap and water for 20 seconds.
Yes, it is traveller oriented more so than obligate bus rider, but it all applies.

Shar F.

8:26AM PDT on Jul 30, 2011

We must be careful not to go overboard about germs. Some sources say that hand sanitizers are hazardous. Some sources say that all the chemicals that end in 'yl' are poisionous. Am looking at a small (1.1 fl oz) bottle of shampoo/cond from up scale hotel--it has 11 ingredients that have 'yl' in the name of the ingredient. KISS-Keep it simple, silly.

Storm M.

7:43AM PDT on Apr 27, 2011

This article is silly. Not for people using transit every day.

Jon H.

9:49AM PDT on Apr 7, 2011

Only if everyone use oral hygene before being on a bus. Some can be pretty rank smelling, lol

Fadia C.

2:28PM PDT on Apr 3, 2011

thanks

Sheri P.

1:53PM PDT on Apr 3, 2011

Great tips, thanks! I agree with KayL. ..public transportation is a great way to relax and do other things while traveling.

John S.

7:02AM PDT on Apr 1, 2011

Thanks for the information.

Ioana B.

5:55AM PDT on Mar 29, 2011

Thanks. Interesting article.

KayL N.

5:49PM PDT on Mar 28, 2011

I remember the old Greyhound Bus ads, "Take the bus and leave the driving to us." I thought it was great advice then and still is. When I travel by public transit, I arrive far more rested, alert and stress-free than if I had driven the distance, and that in itself is the biggest health benefit, IMHO. I also accomplish a lot more travelling by public transit. On long hauls, I usually catch up on my sleep. And on short daily commutes, I catch up with my reading, knit and even write letters and work on my latest stories. If I was driving all I'd be doing was clenching my muscles and losing my temper at the traffic.

Secondly, personally, I doubt there are more germs on buses and other public transit than there are in any other public places, such as movie theatres, offices, schools, etc.