What should flight attendants do to prevent the spread of illness onboard?

Encouraging passengers to use hand sanitizer is essential in preventing the spread of illness onboard. Hand sanitizer effectively reduces germs and pathogens that individuals may carry on their hands, which is a primary mode of transmission for many illnesses. Since the confined space of an aircraft can facilitate the easy spread of viruses and bacteria, promoting hygiene practices like hand sanitization helps to create a healthier environment for everyone on board, including both passengers and crew.

While providing medical consultations can be relevant, it is not the role of flight attendants to diagnose or treat illnesses. Keeping cabin doors open during boarding may improve ventilation temporarily but does not directly address the spread of germs among passengers. Limiting the number of passengers on board, while potentially reducing exposure, is not a practical or feasible option and does not target hygiene practices directly. Thus, the focus on hand sanitizer stands out as the most effective strategy to mitigate health risks in the aircraft setting.