What are the risks for a 1-month-old infant riding a high-speed train?
Apr 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
A one-month-old infant taking a short-distance high-speed train ride is not harmful. However, potential risks associated with long-distance travel include mild hypoxia, impaired hearing development, and increased risk of respiratory infections. The sealed train cabin has lower oxygen levels, which may lead to mild hypoxia. High cabin pressure in high-speed trains can increase inner ear pressure, potentially affecting hearing development. Additionally, the presence of numerous pathogens in the cabin raises the risk of respiratory infections.
A one-month-old infant taking a short-distance high-speed train ride is generally not harmful. However, for long-distance travel, common risks include mild hypoxia, impaired hearing development, and increased risk of respiratory infections. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid frequent or prolonged high-speed train journeys.
1. Mild Hypoxia
Due to the relatively sealed environment of train carriages, oxygen levels may be lower than normal, and unpleasant odors may also be present. This can lead to breathing difficulties and result in mild hypoxia in infants.
2. Impaired Hearing Development
High-speed trains generate significant noise during acceleration and deceleration. Additionally, because the carriages are sealed and traveling at high speeds, the internal air pressure is higher than in normal environments. This increased pressure can elevate pressure within the ears, potentially affecting hearing development.
3. Increased Risk of Respiratory Infections
Train carriages are often crowded and poorly ventilated, leading to higher concentrations of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Infants have underdeveloped immune systems and are therefore more susceptible to infections, increasing their risk of developing respiratory illnesses such as viral colds and mycoplasma pneumonia.
If high-speed train travel is necessary, parents are advised to prepare adequately in advance to reduce the infant's physical discomfort and lower the risk of illness.
