Something I have been thinking of quite a lot as it is cold and flu season. While there are many dangers involved in living within a space station, the problems with being weightless, technical issues, potential crew conflicts, etc... but what about biological issues? It's been noted that bacteria do even better in space than it does here on earth, why not viruses acting the same way? What's to keep something, like the common cold for example, from quickly turning more virulent in such an enclosed environment? Honestly, this is one thing we really need to think of given our desire to travel beyond this little blue treasure we call home.

Well we could always institute the mandatory quarantine of sick individuals and give them medical treatment until they are over the flu/cold. We could also have all people and shipments pass through a decontamination system upon arrival. The threat you are worried about is dependent upon those viruses making it aboard the space station. Which while being possible is something that can also be prevented

Well we could always institute the mandatory quarantine of sick individuals and give them medical treatment until they are over the flu/cold. We could also have all people and shipments pass through a decontamination system upon arrival. The threat you are worried about is dependent upon those viruses making it aboard the space station. Which while being possible is something that can also be prevented

This post has been moved to the Health and Safety forum from General Discussion forum to continue this discussion.

Quarantines are an option, of course, but how will that work on a fully enclosed system like a space station where the air and water are recycled and shared throughout the station? Also, how do we prevent contamination from occurring should we actually encounter a world earth-like enough for us to actually visit? Or a mutation in a bacteria or virus. Yes viral outbreaks do happen. But you are aware there is now bacteria that can infect, and kill, humans that are currently completely immune to all forms of current antibacterial medications?