It’s that time of year: Cold and flu season will be here before we know it. No one wants to get sick while on vacation, but you may have had the experience of catching a cold or worse, the flu, by flying on an airplane. According to the Air Transport Association, however, it seems as though the air on airplanes is probably cleaner than the air that you’re breathing at the grocery store, in church, at work and in school. How can this be? The airflow on planes is designed to go across the rows and not from the front to the back of the airplane. This means that you really aren’t breathing the same air as the people several rows ahead or behind you. While the same air is recirculated, it does go through several filters first, so in theory, at least, you should not be any more at risk of getting sick while in the air than you are while on the ground.
Of course, experience doesn’t lie, and many of us have had the experience of getting sick right after a flight. It turns out that it’s not the air that is to blame, but some of the objects that we’re touching, transferring germs to our faces. Here are some tips on reducing the number of germs that we handle and transfer in the hopes of staying healthier:
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Wash your hands
This is the number one way to prevent illness no matter where you are, and the plane is absolutely no exception. It goes without saying that you should wash with soap and water after each restroom visit, but you should also keep hand sanitizer with you and use it before you eat and after you read the magazines that were left in the seat in front of you.
Ask to switch seats if the person next to you seems sick
If he is coughing and sneezing, then the germs will be getting on you even with the air filtration system. This might not be possible, of course, but you might as well ask the flight attendant if a change can be made.
Use anti-bacterial wipes
Wipe down your seat and the tray that you will put your food on. You can also wipe the back of the seat in front of you, and be sure to give some attention to the knobs or buttons that change the music or video stations. You can also take them with you to the restroom to wipe down surfaces before you touch them.
Bring your own blanket and pillow
This eliminates the possibility that the one handed to you wasn’t sanitized, and it also means that your seatmate won’t accidentally switch yours for his.
Keep yourself hydrated and healthy
Drinking water is important on flights because you will tend to become dehydrated due to the altitude and the dry air. Dehydration makes you more susceptible to illness, so drink plenty of bottled water. Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol on the flight, as well, as these will tend to dehydrate you. On that note, pay attention to what you are eating, as well. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid junk food when possible.
Flying during cold and flu season does not necessarily mean that you will end up getting sick. Taking some precautions during your flight, such as avoiding cold and flu germs on airplanes, will raise your chances of staying healthy throughout and after your vacation.
