Those who fly regularly already consider the chance of getting sick when they travel. Many people already have things that they do to avoid getting sick on an airplane. I have my own habits that help me dodge whatever disease is going around. Honestly, there is no way to avoid getting sick 100% of the time when you travel. There is always a chance to get sick when you leave your home. They say to surround yourself with people who make you a better version of yourself. I say surround yourself with those people unless they have the flu. Then, avoid those people until they get better.
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Boost Your Immune System
The immune system is a fickle thing. Some people naturally have strong immune systems while others get sick every other week without leaving home. While I am the former, I still know that my chances of getting sick rise exponentially when I go to the airport and get in an airplane. The easiest way to keep your immune system strong is to simply have a healthy diet, get plenty of sleep, and exercise. A healthy person generally has a healthy immune system. Avoid smoking as that is a sure fire way to make your immune system weak, and try not to overdo it with the alcohol right before you travel.
I like to take some immune system supporting vitamins before I travel just to add an extra layer of defense. I like the Airborne brand, and I start to take them 2-3 days before I travel and a couple more days after I arrive. This may be overkill, but it makes me feel better. I like the chewable tablets, but you can also get them as a dissolvable tablet, gummies, or powder. I have gotten sick during travel in the past, but I never have when I have taken Airborne. That may be a coincidence, but I like to think that it is working.
You can find Airborne at any department store or pharmacy, or you can get it online here: Amazon: Chewable Tablets, Dissolvable Tablets, Gummies, Powder
Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is something that is second nature to most people. I say most because some people do not wash their hands as they should in public. You should be washing your hands after using the bathroom, after you do anything that gets your hands dirty (coughing, sneezing, touching something that should not have been sticky), and if possible, before you eat. It seems like a lot, but when you are in an airport or airplane, washing your hands becomes that much more important.
Hand washing is so simple, but it has changed so much regarding public health. Doctors used to perform surgeries without washing their hands. When they started washing them, guess what? A much lower percentage of their patients died. It seems like common sense, and when things become the norm it is easier to question whether or not they are actually necessary. So is it necessary to wash your hands when trying to avoid getting sick on an airplane? The answer is yes.
The CDC has a page dedicated to hand washing. Check it out for more information.
Hand Sanitizer
Building from the hand washing section, carrying hand sanitizer when you travel is a must. You can carry the liquid, or if you prefer to avoid liquids you can get sanitizing wipes. The wipes are nice because you can use them to wipe off surfaces. I would recommend wiping off your tray table on the plane. Flight attendants are not able to clean them between each flight, so you really have no idea what has been on that tray. You can use hand sanitizer in place of washing your hands when soap and water are not available. Although, I still think that you should be washing your hands after you use the bathroom. It just feels cleaner.
You can stock up on regular hand sanitizer here: Amazon
Or, you can get some fancy hand sanitizer here: Amazon
Find sanitizing wipes here: Amazon
Prepare for Motion Sickness
If you get motion sickness, be prepared. I have had it my whole life and I have learned how to avoid it. Motion sickness can be prevented with drugs like Dramamine, patches, or sea bands. Those who have motion sickness tend to know what works best for them. The severity depends on the person, so you may need more or less based on your own needs. If you like to use something a little more natural to combat nausea, ginger is good for making you feel better. Sea bands use pressure points to help correct your equilibrium. For me, nothing works quite as well as Dramamine. I don’t always need it, but if there is even a little turbulence on a flight I am done for. I tend to take some as a preventative measure.
You can find Dramamine in department stores, pharmacies, or at the airport if you forget. You can get it online here: Amazon
You can find Sea-Bands here: Amazon
For ginger, try these drops: Amazon
Avoid Flying When Sick
This one is difficult. We all want to make it to our final destination and have the best trip ever. If you are super sick, the flight will likely only make it worse and you won’t be able to enjoy your vacation anyway. If it is possible to postpone your flight, please do it to avoid spreading your sickness to others. If you must fly, purchase a face mask, sanitize the space around you, and don’t be offended if the person next to you asks to move to another seat. If you find yourself seated next to an obviously sick person, don’t be afraid to ask a flight attendant to change seats. If the flight is full, you may be stuck, though. Sanitize everything, and try not to breathe in their direction. May the odds be ever in your favor.
You can purchase a face mask here: Amazon
These are only a few simple ways to avoid getting sick on an airplane. There are many more health safety items to consider when you travel. You need to know about your destination, food safety, and what diseases may be in a new country and not
If you have any tips to avoid getting sick on an airplane, please let me know! I would love to hear them!
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