Guidelines for risk assessment of infectious diseases transmitted on aircraft: Influenza

Due to the increasing prevalence of air travel around the world, it is possible to spread contagious infectious diseases from endemic areas to other areas. Of course, this can be largely prevented by raising the level of public health and awareness. Also, with the ease of air travel and the aging of communities, the number of elderly travelers with concomitant illnesses will increase, which will increase the mortality and morbidity associated with the spread of communicable infectious diseases. Stricter hygiene protocols implemented on airlines and proper design of modern aircraft can greatly reduce the transmission of contagious diseases. Our purpose in presenting this article was to formulate appropriate guidelines for experts and authorities to inform and provide best practices when dealing with an influenza epidemic.