Avoiding airplane germs with neosporin?
Apr 12th, 2003, 09:24 AM
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Avoiding airplane germs with neosporin?
An acquaintance told me that one way to avoiding "airplane flu" (and SARS?) is to apply neosporin ointment in the nose before flying. She wasn't sure it was neosporin,though. Anybody familiar with this treatment?
Apr 12th, 2003, 09:29 AM
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This is totally BOGUS..your "acquaintance" is not doing you or anyone else any favors with this sort of false information. Do you really believe that if this WERE a reasonable prevention measure it would not have been publisized (AND cashed in upon by the makers of Neosporin) LONG before this?
Apr 12th, 2003, 09:36 AM
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Don't know about Neosporin but many recommend using a saline spray. I finally gave it a shot last March on my Boston-Rome flight.<BR> I usually travel in the off-season or peak cold season
and usually catch a cold sometime after the flight. But I didn't this year. <BR> Just luck or the spray, I really don't know. But I will use it again. Regards, Walter
and usually catch a cold sometime after the flight. But I didn't this year. <BR> Just luck or the spray, I really don't know. But I will use it again. Regards, Walter
Apr 12th, 2003, 09:53 AM
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We too used the saline spray on our last trip, as well as Cold-Eze (started a few days before the trip). I also wiped down our trays, armrests, etc. with antibacterial wipes. Honestly, I'm not a "germ" freak, but we were tired of one or both of us catching colds during our vacation. Neither of us got sick on this trip. I don't know whether the above formula was the reason, or we just lucked out. In any case, I plan to do the same thing on our trip this year.
Apr 12th, 2003, 10:01 AM
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Did you also wipe down every door knob, every suitcase handle, every pen and pencil, every magazine, every shoelace, every toilet seat, every menu, and every bed cover?<BR>Neosporin might work if you totally blocked your nose and mouth. The saline spray helps prevent extreme dryness on long flights because the air is recirculated inside the plane, but it doesn't kill anything per se. It helps the nasal passages maintain normal moisture levels and that helps the body;s natural defenses.<BR><BR>I wish Rex B. would respond to this one. He is one of several who contribute who should know well all of the ramifications.<BR><BR>
Apr 12th, 2003, 10:04 AM
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No Mr. Brown, I didn't wipe down everything I came in contact with. I was too busy having a good time. As I said I'm not a germ freak and wasn't sure if we lucked out or the regimen helped. In any case, didn't expect or need your snide comments!
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Apr 12th, 2003, 10:31 AM
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I strongly disagree. Mindless use of antibiotics causes resistance so that when you are sick and really need it, the antibiotics don't work.*<BR><BR>SARS is caused by a virus, not a bacteria. Antibiotics have not effect on virus.<BR><BR>Keeping your nostrils moised and not chapped has some merit. This is because germs can enter the body easier with raw, cracked skin or mucous membranes. Spraying water or vasoline helps prevent this.<BR><BR>If you are concerned, wear a mask.<BR>---<BR>*This is because some bacteria survive with antibiotics. Say if 99.9% of them die, the 0.1% of them will be resistant to antibiotics. They will multiply and soon all of your resident bacteria in your nose will be antibiotic resistant.<BR><BR>This is why taking antibiotics to prevent diarrhea is a bad idea.
Apr 12th, 2003, 10:35 AM
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Hi andib,<BR> It's not the antibiotic, it's the ointment in your nose that keeps nasal membranes from drying out, thus allowing your body defenses to keep working.<BR><BR> Also, sip lots of water to keep your throat moist.<BR><BR> "Airplane flu" is caused by the very dry air.
Apr 12th, 2003, 11:18 AM
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Perhaps snide, but actually I was trying to point out that the wiping was not going to do much good and to think it did might lead to real trouble if you were trying to counteract a known infection. (Ever see what they do in a hospital after a very infectious patient has occupied a room!??!<BR><BR>If you wiped off a few surfaces but not all, and came into contact with the unwiped ones what good did the wiping do?? None. <BR>You also have as many pathogens in everyday contacts in your office and house as you do in many other places, particularly if you have children and pets. Ever wonder what might be in the mouthpiece on a public phone where people spit little tads of saliva in them all day long??!!<BR>Interesting comment though. <BR><BR>
Apr 12th, 2003, 11:42 AM
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I used to work in an office where my desk was the first work station in the department, as you walked in.<BR><BR>So many times I saw people using my phone when I came back to my desk, after I was away in some other part of the building. So I bought a can of Lysol and sprayed the phone alot. The phone users didn't like the smell and quit using my phone.<BR><BR>Do anything you can!
Apr 12th, 2003, 12:01 PM
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It was only too obvious what you were trying to point out, seemingly at my expense. Did I suggest others do this? Did I say that's what kept us from having colds? Merely stated what we did on our last trip and plan to do on our next trip.
Apr 12th, 2003, 12:12 PM
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Moisturing the nasal passages with a saline or propylene glycol spray (e.g. Rhinaris) is good; I also use moisturizing eye drops. Viruses, bacteria, etc. can also easily enter through the eyes, especially dry ones.<BR><BR>While I don't think the so-called antibacterial wipes are any better than conventional cleaning agents, and while wiping everything down probably isn't practical, you will definitely want to keep your hands well washed. Not just the palms, but the tops, wrists, and between fingers and thumbs. One doctor suggested you should take as long at the task as it takes to sing 'Happy birthday' to yourself twice, (which conjures up some amusing images. : - ) But I take his point.) When done, use a piece of paper towel or tissue when either turning off the taps (or pulling the metal gadget that releases the sink stopper) - this avoids recontaminating your hands once you've just washed them. Also use the paper towel when opening the door to the washroom upon leaving. This is quite standard practice among health care professionals and nursing home staff, etc. <BR><BR>
Apr 12th, 2003, 04:48 PM
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The drops and ointment are not meant to be a mechanical barrier, but rather are useful for the reasons Hiroshi has stated. Along with drinking lots of fluids, the drops keep the mucous membranes from swelling by keeping them moist. <BR><BR>
Apr 12th, 2003, 04:50 PM
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