How to avoid getting ill on a plane?

Conquer the Clouds: Staying Healthy on Your Next Flight

Flying can be a fantastic experience, opening up new worlds and connecting us to loved ones. But let’s face it, airplanes aren’t exactly known for their pristine cleanliness. Sharing a confined space with potentially hundreds of other travelers, recirculated air, and surfaces teeming with germs can easily lead to a mid-trip sniffle or worse. Fear not, intrepid traveler! You can take proactive steps to minimize your risk and land feeling refreshed and ready for adventure.

Hand Hygiene: Your First Line of Defense

This one seems obvious, but its importance cannot be overstated. Airplanes are germ havens, and your hands are the primary vectors for introducing those germs into your system. Pack a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content and use it frequently:

• Before eating: This is crucial. Don’t let a germ-ridden snack turn into a sickness souvenir.
• After using the restroom: Public restrooms are notorious breeding grounds for bacteria.
• After touching shared surfaces: Armrests, tray tables, seatbelt buckles – these are all prime candidates for contamination.
• After handling your carry-on luggage: Think about all the places your bag has been – airport floors, luggage carousels, overhead bins.

Disinfect Your Personal Space

Think of your airplane seat as your temporary mobile office. Just as you might wipe down your desk at work, consider sanitizing the surfaces around you on the plane. Pack disinfecting wipes and give the following areas a thorough clean:

• Tray table: This is where you’ll eat, read, and potentially rest your head. Make it germ-free!
• Armrests: Shared by everyone in your row, these are a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Seatbelt buckle: Another high-touch area that deserves a wipe-down.
• Entertainment screen and remote (if applicable): Countless fingers have touched these.

Mask Up for Enhanced Protection

While mask mandates might be a thing of the past, wearing a mask on a flight is still a smart way to protect yourself from airborne illnesses. A well-fitted mask, such as an N95 or KN95, can filter out a significant portion of viruses and bacteria circulating in the cabin air. Consider masking up, especially if you’re traveling during peak cold and flu season or if you’re particularly vulnerable to illness.

Strategic Seating: Choose the Window

While aisle seats offer more legroom and easy access to the restroom, a study found that window seat passengers have less interaction with other travelers, thus reducing their exposure to germs. The fewer people walking past you, the less likely you are to be exposed to airborne pathogens.

Overhead Bin Etiquette

Resist the urge to store everything you own under the seat in front of you. Keeping items in the overhead bin not only frees up valuable legroom but also minimizes your contact with the floor, a notorious repository of dirt and germs.

Pack for Wellness: Hydration and Medication

Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system. Airplane cabins have notoriously low humidity, which can lead to dehydration and make you more susceptible to illness. Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after passing through security. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as these can further dehydrate you.

Don’t forget to pack any essential medications you need, including pain relievers, allergy medication, and any prescription drugs. Consider adding electrolyte tablets or powder to your water to replenish lost fluids and minerals.

Conclusion: Fly Smarter, Stay Healthier

Air travel doesn’t have to be a gamble on your health. By incorporating these simple hygiene and wellness practices into your travel routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting sick on a plane. So, pack your sanitizer, wipe down your tray table, and get ready to enjoy a healthy and fulfilling journey!