3 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick When Riding the T

By Dr. Jack Cornwell, Medical Director CareWell Urgent Care

Public transportation can be a nice way to avoid traffic gridlock, but it can come with its own drawbacks. Over a third of Bostonians travel by T, bus, or commuter rail to and from work each day, which means you’re bound to come in contact with someone who’s sick. Here are three things to do to help stifle the cold you could catch on your commute.

1. Be conscious of germs

This probably won’t come as a surprise, but with the large number of people that use the MBTA each day chances are very high that someone has something you don’t want to catch. Droplets from coughs and sneezes can travel much farther than you think, so it becomes increasingly easy to spread germs when you’re standing right next to someone in a confined space.

You can’t avoid people during rush hour, but there are some precautions you can take to protect yourself from illness. Avoid surfaces like poles if possible and wash your hands after you arrive at your destination.

2. Take care of yourself

A healthy body is your first line of defense when you’re surrounded by others who are sick. It’s important to make sure you take care of yourself by eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep. By paying attention to your overall wellness, you can help keep your immune system strong.

Mental health is also important. Practice stress relief activities that work for you, whether that’s reading, crafting or meditating.

3. Bundle up

That short walk to the nearest T stop can feel a lot longer when it’s freezing outside. And if your commute involves waiting for a bus or train at an above-ground station, you could be putting yourself at risk. When wind-chill temperatures are extremely low, frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes.

The best way to protect yourself from the cold is to make sure you have as little exposed skin as possible, even if you’re only outside for a short time. Wear a hat to protect your ears and wrap a scarf around your mouth and nose. If possible, wait for your train or bus indoors, or at least in an area that provides some shelter from the wind. And if you’re outside for a long time, keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, nausea, confusion and lack of coordination. If you think that you or someone else might be getting hypothermia, get to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center as quickly as possible.

For many of us, it’s impossible to avoid the T. But following these tips will help you stay healthy on your commute and ready to tackle your day.