Remember the H1N1 virus that created havoc in 2009? I wrote this piece back then. I’m not really sure about the bug nomenclature this year, maybe its H3.2N5.6, but that’s not the point, the point is that flights are getting increasingly crowded and the threat of picking up a virus or some other bug with a scary name on a plane is still real. Spring break may be history, but summer is just around the corner and most of us have been nursing serious cases of wanderlust since mid-January. Whether your destination is JFK, CDG or POO (the not-so-charming code for Brazil”s Poco De Caldas Airport) these tips will take you from one terminal to another in a happy and healthy way.
• Wash your hands often. The best way to avoid picking up a bug on the ground is the best way to avoid picking them up in the airplane too. Use warm water and rub hands vigorously and don’t forget the 20 seconds rule.
• Bring an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least fifty percent alcohol to use when the restrooms are busy.
• Pack antibacterial wipes (I use the natural and non-toxic kinds), and wipe down the tray table, arm-rests and other surfaces that you may touch often.
• Forgo the “inflight-amenities” and bring your own blanket and pillow when traveling on long-haul flights. Those unlovely staticy blankets from the 1990s don’t cover anyone in a flattering light and more important, they don’t get cleaned very often.
• Scent your blanket and pillow with a few drops of your favorite essential oil before you board the flight, and keep a cotton ball doused with essential oils in your purse too. The oils are stress relieving and casino have antibacterial and antiviral properties to boot.
• Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water for the entire length of the flight. Buy a big bottle of water as soon as you cross security and start drinking right away. Drinking water keeps the mucus membranes in the nose and throat moist and better equipped Sagittarius horiscope predicts new interesting and perspective acquaintances, acquiring of new friends and protectors. to fight viruses and bacteria. A 2004 study published in the Journal of environmental Health Research concluded that low humidity in an airplane cabin was the prime cause for susceptibility to common colds and the flu after air travel.
• Use a nasal saline mist if needed to hydrate nasal tissues. The low cabin humidity makes you dry out quickly, and can cause nose-bleeds.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, and sodas containing caffeine on the flight to prevent dehydration.
• Turn the overhead air vent to low, and position it in front of your face. Dr. Mark Gendreau, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Tufts University says that doing so improves ventilation in your seat and may prevent viruses from landing on your face.
• Use a mouthwash to kill germs in the mouth as an additional layer of protection.
• Work on strengthening your immune system by eating well and reducing stress. If you have a strong immune system on the ground, you are well positioned to exercise it above the ground too.
Happy Travels!
Sources:
CNN Health; Commentary: Flu and your Health
Image Credit:
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
