COVID-19 QUICK-BUY LINKS
Coronavirus update: Since writing this post, things have changed in a big way. What was then the calm before the storm became a full-fledged pandemic and many thousands of folk have lost their lives. It almost seems surreal now how commuting has become a thing of the past. Below are quick links to the most sought-after items.
We’ll get through this people, stay safe!
The sad reality of being a daily commuter is being exposed to all kinds of nasty germs. Most often these turn into colds or worse the flu, but in 2020 we also have the fear of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 Coronavirus to worry about – ugh! If anything, it’s a good reminder to protect ourselves.
Taking the train can feel a bit like health lotto. When we’re not stuck beside those people who should really be at home in bed we’re holding onto handrails or seats covered in god knows what. It’s all a bit gross really…
It’s impossible to avoid all of these unseen nasties but there are things you can do to drastically reduce the risk and avoid sickness on public transport.
Quick tips for avoiding sickness on public transport
- Wash your hands with soap: this may seem obvious but a surprisingly number of people don’t do this (and given you’re touching surfaces that they’ve touched this is doubly important!!)
- Avoid people who are obviously sick: that guy whose sneezing continually? Don’t sit beside him!
- Sit down: the perfect away to avoid touching handrails and subway poles
- Bolster your own immunity: regularly taking vitamins such as vitamin C can help you proactively counter any would be germs you encounter, particularly during the flu months
- Carry hand sanitizer: the best way to kill any germs on your hands when touching things like hand rails on trains and subways
Keep reading for a range of products which will help boost your protection against sickness:
Carry anti-bacterial Wet Ones wipes in your bag
Carrying a packet of wipes will let you give your hands a thorough clean wherever you are. I for one cant wash or wipe my hands quick enough after holding onto a rail in a train – they always feel somewhat disgusting and those germs…
- Each packet has 20 wipes
- Fits comfortably inside a pocket of your commuter bag
- Suitable for both your face and hands
- Mild antibacterial cleaning solution kills 99.99% of germs
- Wet lock seal which will keep them nice and moist
Alternatively check out PURELL Hand Sanitizing Wipes which will do a similar job.
Use a travel sized hand sanitizer foam or gel
A great alternative to the wipes, carrying a small travel sized anti bacterial foam or gel is the perfect solution for keeping your hands germ free. Many people swear by the gel but personally I prefer the foam as I find it leaves my hands feel cleaner with less residue. Either option is good however – it really comes down to personal preference.
- Alcohol-free solution: contains no alcohol, fragrances, or dyes which is perfect if you’re prone to allergies
- Small travel-sized bottle which will fit in your commuter bag
- A trusted brand which is often used for hand sanitization in hospitals
Also check out the Assured Instant Travel-Size Hand Sanitizer gels as an alternative option
Protect against airborne germs with a medical mask
While quite commonplace in Asia, it’s less common in other countries for people to wear medical masks in their daily life, but now with the threat of the coronavirus, we’re seeing these everywhere.
- Filtered design which protects your airways from pollutants and allergens to help you breathe easier and stay germ free as much as possible
- One size fits most people
- Comfortable elastic earloop with extra-soft ear loops to reduce eliminate pressure to the ears
- Made of soft facial tissue which contains no dyes
- Can help against every day pollution
DID YOU KNOW: In Japan, it’s extremely common for people to wear these masks but you might be surprised to know there’s more reasons for this than simply protecting against illness!
- Protect against sickness: the Japanese often wear protective masks when sick to avoid spreading their own germs
- Allergies: many Japanese suffer allergies and these masks can help reduce the effects
- Protect students: lunch time staff at school cafeterias use these masks to avoid spreading any germs to the students food
- Hospital wear: medical staff wear the masks to reduce the spread of any germs
- Privacy: it’s common for young Japanese girls to wear these masks just to hide their make-up free faces!
- Stay warm: many Japanese wear face masks to keep their faces warm in the often bitterly cold winters
- Stay protected: the Japanese also wear these masks to pro-actively protect themselves against potential illness before important events such as exam periods
If you’re going to wear a mask – why not do so in style!
Just because you’ve chosen to wear a face mask doesn’t mean you have to look like a hospital worker! These black masks look all sorts of badass and will protect you just as well against anything from airborne allergens like dust and pollution.
- Collapsible design which can be folded up and kept in the pocket
- Washable and re-usable, will dry in minutes
- Made from a comfortable, skin-friendly spongey material which is also breathable
Your phone is covered in germs, clean it!
Possibly the most important item on this list – screen cleaning wipes to clean your smartphone! You know all those germs you’ve touched on the train, at the train station, in the subway, in the store – all of them have congregated in one convenient place – your phone. You know, the device that’s either in your hands or against your face for a large part of every day. Ewwww! Admittedly, this is something I rarely do but that’s changed!! The more I think about it, the greater my urge to run off and clean my phone again!
You don’t need to do it every day, but please try and do it regularly! These
- One wipe per sachet – keep a couple in your work bag or office drawer
- Streak free cleaning
- Pre-moistened wipes will remove bacteria, dust, germs and dirt from your phone – but also from other items like glasses and tablets
Thank me later 🙂
Wear gloves
It’s not uncommon for folks with dry hands or eczema to wear light-weight, cotton gloves to assist with those particular maladies – but this is also a great solution for people using public transport as it means you dont have to physically touch any germy surfaces. In flu season, wanting to protect yourself is not being prudent – even moreso with the coronavirus risk also.
- 100% cotton, machine washable and re-usable
- Fits on either hand
- Comes in a pack of 24 pairs (48 gloves total)
Take some good old Vitamin C
Like everything on this list, taking vitamin C is not a guaranteed solution, but when it comes to warding off colds, taking vitamin C can have many benefits. Many doctor’s recommend taking vitamin C to help reduce the effects of the common cold but there’s nothing wrong with taking it proactively either – particularly during the typical sickness periods of the year.
In short – when my wife or child start coughing, I start popping vitamin C. It doesn’t save me every time, but in my family, I’m known as the one who tends to avoid most of the illnesses! (I’m going to get sick now, you wait)
And that’s all folks! Hopefully some of these things will help you avoid sickness on public transport in 2020 and beyond. If you’re new here, check out our Train Commuting Essentials to get started. Stay safe and happy commuting!
