Lifestyle Desk:- Long distance travel by train is a different experience in itself. During the journey, people eat and drink, rest on seats and berths and sometimes have to use the washroom of the train. But being a public place, the train may come in contact with many surfaces where dirt and germs may be present. In such a situation, a little carelessness can increase the risk of infection. If you are going to travel a long distance by train then definitely follow some easy hygiene tips.
Be sure to clean hands before eating
Take special care of hand hygiene while eating food or snacks while traveling in the train. Hands can become dirty after touching doors, seat rails, windows, tables and other surfaces. Therefore, washing hands with soap and water before eating food is the best option. If water and soap are not available, alcohol based hand sanitizer can be used.
carry your water bottle
It's important to drink enough water on long journeys, but try to carry your own personal water bottle. Avoid repeatedly using others' bottles or glasses. If you are buying water from train or station, then check that the packing and seal are fine.
Do not leave food items open
While eating food in the train, do not leave it open for a long time. Especially keep those things packed which need to be eaten immediately. If you are bringing food from home, keep it in a clean and tightly closed container. Avoid keeping cut fruits or other perishable items at room temperature for too long.
Keep the seat and surrounding area clean
Before sitting on your seat or berth, look at the surrounding dirt and clean it. If you have a small disinfectant wipe, it can be used to clean frequently touched surfaces around the seat. Although there is no need to sanitize everything frequently, it is more important to clean hands before eating.
Be careful in train washroom
During long journeys you may have to use the train washroom. It is very important to wash hands thoroughly with soap after use. After coming out of the washroom, avoid touching the face, eyes, nose or mouth without cleaning hands.
Do not share towels and personal items
Avoid sharing your towel, handkerchief, water bottle and other personal items with others during travel. If you are traveling with children, then pay attention to the cleanliness of their personal belongings.
Keep sanitizer and tissue with you
It can be useful to keep a small hygiene kit ready for train travel. You can keep hand sanitizer, tissue paper, wet wipes, small bars of soap and necessary personal hygiene items in it. With this, you will not have to depend on others when needed.
Avoid touching the face frequently
During travel, hands come in contact with many types of surfaces. Therefore, avoid the habit of repeatedly touching eyes, nose and mouth without cleaning hands. These small precautions can help in reducing the risk of infection.
Do not spread garbage here and there
Hygiene does not just mean keeping oneself clean. Do not throw garbage on the seats or floor inside the train. Dispose of food packets, tissues and other waste only in the designated place. This will keep the environment around you clean.
Keep these things in mind while traveling
If you already have a cold or any infectious disease, avoid getting too close to others during travel and cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. At the same time, if persistent fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, respiratory problems or other symptoms of infection appear after travelling, then do not ignore it and consult a doctor if necessary.
No single solution guarantees complete protection from infection during a long train journey, but regular hand hygiene, safe eating habits, keeping personal belongings separate and washing hands thoroughly after using the washroom can help reduce the risk of infection. A little caution can make your long journey comfortable and safe.