Travel Tips

Tips to Avoid Airplane Colds

Most people find that they get sick every time they travel, whether it's the change in food or water, being around new people, too much alcohol, or the airplane trip. Planes are common transmitters of colds and other diseases - you're about a hundred times more likely to catch a cold on a plane than you are on a regular day to day basis. We're not sure entirely why this is, but a number of possibilities have been put forth. After all, the space is close and crowded, air is recycled heavily, and the cabins are extremely low in humidity.

The majority of commercial airlines fly between thirty and thirty-five thousand feet - elevations where humidity generally runs ten percent or lower. These extremely low humidity levels can be detrimental to people who are trying to avoid a cold. The mucus in our throats and noses usually keeps us from getting sick, but without the right amount of humidity, it can't work correctly. That means we're far more likely to get an infection when it's dry than when it's humid.

So, what can you do to keep yourself from getting that airline cold? There are a few options. One is staying well hydrated to fight off the general dehydration from air travel. This can lead to all kinds of physical issues on its own, but adequate hydration can counter them, as well as fortifying your immune system. When your body dries out, your throat and nose dry out, too. We've all experienced this at one point or another, and it doesn't just happen in the air. Sun exposure and even alcohol and caffeine can do it. However, airplanes are one of the worst environments, and you've probably felt a sting in your nose, throat and mouth during a flight at some point.

The good news is that spending your time sipping liquids during the flight can be better than drinking a lot of water all at once before or during the flight. That's because there are no dry spells. Stick to water if you can, since many other drink options will make things worse. You can also use nasal mists to make sure your body's systems are working at their best. Don't forget about trying hot drinks, as well. They offer hydration and the steam can help with dry tissues - just remember that coffee, chocolate, and caffeinated tea may have some dehydrating effects.

Keeping your hands washed is a basic hygiene protocol that most people forget about, but it's one of the most important. Your hands are the part of your body that is most likely to come into contact with bacteria or viruses. From handshakes to armrests on the plane to touching your face or eating food, these micro-organisms can spread fast. The virus that causes the common cold can survive as long as three hours on a surface, but washing your hands with soap and hot water will kill it. Hand washing isn't just for workers in food establishments.

Remember to wash your hands at other times, too - not just when you're traveling. Adopting this practice as part of your daily routine could keep you from getting sick nearly as often. Of course, on an airplane, washing up before your snack can be tricky, since the aisles are narrow and the bathrooms tiny. If you don't feel like washing is an option, consider using a food safe disinfectant beforehand, instead. This can help reduce your chances of infection without causing problems on the flight.

Pay attention to your teeth, as well. You'll be surprised at how likely your mouth is to cause germ transmission. An antibacterial mouthwash used on the flight might help you prevent infection, and it'll help moisten your mouth and throat. Just make sure you bring a package three ounces or smaller to make certain that you won't be stopped at security.

Vitamins are important! While independent study information remains inconclusive, many people swear by taking extra vitamins before you fly, including people who travel for a living. A standard multivitamin could be what you need to keep your symptoms under control. While the National Institute for Health says there's no conclusive evidence, it still recommends the practice, since additional vitamins could reduce the symptoms of illness, too.