It’s Officially Flu Season: How to Avoid Getting Sick on a Plane

it’s officially that time of year. Temperatures are plummeting, the hot tea is flowing, and flu season is here. But that is not the only illness that threatens travelers this Christmas season.

According to Dr. Waleed Javaid, epidemiologist and director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Downtown, “Currently, there is a mix of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). Other common illnesses include norovirus and bacterial infections like E. coli As we enter the colder months and holiday gatherings, respiratory infections are increasing due to increased close contact and indoor activities.”

Fortunately, we learned a lot about how to mitigate illness while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID taught us the importance of hand hygiene and boosting immunity through lifestyle practices,” he said. Dr. Taz Bhatiacertified integrative medicine doctor. Fortunately, many of the precautions you learned to stop the spread of COVID-19 should also help protect you from the seasonal flu, according to Healthline (which is owned by TPG parent company Red Ventures).

You’re probably already doing everything you can to avoid germs these days since you learned the tricks during the pandemic, like sanitizing your seat, washing your hands frequently, and carrying hand sanitizer in your carry-on. But to protect yourself and your family from contracting the flu and other illnesses while traveling, follow these tips.

wear a mask

In the past, wearing a mask was a requirement when flying. Although these regulations have been lifted, covering your face on your next flight can still help prevent you from getting sick. A 2020 study by the US Department of Defense (DOD) found that the risk of COVID-19 transmission on an airplane was “extremely unlikely” when masks are worn. Masks will also protect you from other common respiratory viruses, such as influenza, that are transmitted through the air.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of masks for sick travelers (with fever or respiratory symptoms) to help reduce the spread of respiratory germs and for people sitting near sick travelers (with fever or respiratory symptoms) when the sick traveler cannot tolerate the use of a mask.

“Keep your hands clean,” said Dr. Nicholas Testa, chief medical executive of Health Dignity in southern California. “This means a combination of good hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionWashing your hands is the “most important infection control measure.” They recommend using “alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.”

If it’s a short flight, be sure to go to the bathroom before the flight takes off, New York-based primary care physician. Dr. Marina Gafanovich TPG said. Because?

“You have to understand that a lot of people share that bathroom,” he said. “And research suggests that there are major germs on sinks, cistern handles and toilet seats in airplane bathrooms. That’s why it’s best to use paper towels when you touch the toilet seat, faucet or even the door latch.”

Stay hydrated

While a comfortable interior humidity ranges between 30% and 65%, the humidity inside an airplane cabin is only between 10% and 20%. according to Northwest Medicine. The very low humidity of the air in the cabin can dry out the mucous membranes of the nose and respiratory tract. When these tissues dry out, they are much more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. To combat this, stay hydrated.

“Bring your own water bottle and try to drink eight ounces of water per hour you’re in the air to maintain your hydration,” said Dr. Nate Favini, medical director at Pair Team, a virtual care company. “Alcohol and caffeine will dehydrate you even more, so save the cocktails and coffee for your destination.”

Stick with the classics, like Purell, or try travel wipesAntibacterial wipes designed specifically for travelers with a refreshing citrus scent.

And if you just want to spray your hands (or everything), try Dr. Bonner’s Lavender Scented Organic Hand Sanitizer Spray in TSA-friendly bottles.

“Although your hands have touched the dirtier and germier surfaces“You won’t get sick unless you bring those germs to an entry point (nose, mouth, eyes),” said Dr. Frank Contacessa, based in upstate New York. “Get in the habit of never rubbing your eyes, touching your mouth or nose unless you have washed your hands. This is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick.”

Choose your seat carefully

On an airplane, studies have shown that aisle seats experience much more traffic and are at greater risk of exposure. Because? Well, part of it is that sick patients tend to lean on those seats when they walk to the bathroom.

“The window seat is a better option if you want to minimize the risk of respiratory transmission“said Dr. Testa. These seats generally do not have as much contact with passengers.

In fact, High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters found on airplanes Eliminates at least 99.97% of airborne viruses and bacteria. This air is also renewed about 20 times per hour. An office is only updated about 10 times.

Prepare your body

Before you even set foot on a plane, you can take preventive measures to avoid getting sick. CDC now recommends staying up-to-date on vaccines, including annual flu shots, COVID-19 boosters, and RSV vaccines for those who are eligible, to minimize the risk of severe illness.

Additionally, “prioritize sleep, a balanced diet, and supplements like vitamin D and zinc,” says Dr. Bhatia.

It’s also worth bringing vitamin C. “Studies have shown that stressed people who take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C a day are less likely to get viral infections,” Dr. Favini said. “And traveling is often stressful.”