While you may always look forward to flying somewhere for an exciting vacation or a business trip, you don’t want to worry about getting sick after your airplane flight! After all, studies have shown that colds may be 113 times more likely to be transmitted on a plane than during your normal routine back on the ground! The good news is that there are several things that you can do before or after your flight to stay healthy. Here are 4 ways to avoid getting sick on a plane:
1. Keep Your Hands Clean
One of the most important things that you can bring on a plane with you is hand sanitizer, but just make sure it is 3 ounces or less to comply with security regulations. This is because your hands are often the first point of contact with cold and flu germs on planes or anywhere else. Some of the dirtiest surfaces on planes include the tray tables, seat belt buckles, overhead air vents, and lavatory latches. If you come in contact with any of these items during your flight, be sure to use your hand sanitizer promptly to remove any possible germs!
2. Stay Hydrated at All Times
Another one of the ways to avoid getting sick on a plane is to stay hydrated at all times, especially on longer flights! While you may not want to keep visiting the bathroom on the plane, drinking plenty of water can help with the common effects of being dehydrated on an airplane such as stomach problems, cramps, and headaches. Staying hydrated can also help your immune system better so that you can stay protected against many of the germs that are present on the plane.
3. Take Vitamins Before Your Flight
While the rapid response effect of vitamins has not been proven, many travelers swear that they help prevent them from getting sick after a flight! It certainly can’t hurt to take a standard multivitamin, which you should start taking at least 2 days before flying. If you still happen to get sick after taking precautions, vitamin C can help to reduce the severity and longevity of your cold symptoms.
4. Wear a Mask for Protection from Airborne Germs
For an added level of protection, you can wear a face mask to protect yourself from airborne germs, which are thought to be one of the top 2 sources of a cold virus infection. As of now, many airlines are requiring passengers to wear a mask for the duration of their flight and while they are in the airport. Wearing a mask prevents droplets from getting on other surfaces, which prevents you and others from passing germs to one another during flights.
We hope that these tips on how to avoid getting sick on a plane have come in handy and that you stay healthy after your next flight! At Mac’s Pharmacy, we are dedicated to improving your health and well-being, so learn more about how we can assist you with all of your pharmaceutical needs! We look forward to doing business with you!
