Ok, so it’s my job to keep people healthy. I’m a nurse practitioner, so really, that’s what I do all day, every day. So this is why I cringe every time I fly in a circulated-air, confined-space, just-sneezed-all-over-my-tray-table, airplane. Gross.
Don’t get me wrong, I fly all the time. Flying is obviously a great time saver and sometimes absolutely necessary. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t take precautions while traveling to avoid getting sick when you get to your destination.
Before I get to my list of healthy airplane habits, I feel obligated to give you a legal disclosure (*yawn*). While I am a certified nurse practitioner, the opinions expressed in this blog post are my own opinions and should never take the place of advice from your medical provider. Yada, yada. So on and so forth.
Now moving on to how to avoid getting sick on a plane (Kaley’s Version).
1. Keep the Water Flowing
It’s so easy to get dehydrated while flying because the recycled airplane air is super dry. Keep hydrated by skipping the booze and getting plain water from the drink cart. I like to pack a collapsable water bottle in my carry on and fill it with water at the airport. Take regular sips throughout the flight. I’ve noticed that I definitely am less swollen after long haul flights if I drink water throughout.
If you notice dry eyes on your flight, this can be easily remedied with saline eye drops. I personally use these Refresh Tears, but really any saline lubricating drops will do.
2. Walk It Out
A deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), while somewhat rare, is a legitimate fear. DVTs are blood clots that can form in your venous system. If one forms in your legs, it can break off and travel to your lungs. This is a medical emergency. Blood clots can form in a perfectly healthy person during long periods of inactivity- aka during a flight.
Now that I’ve worried you, there are ways of preventing DVTs. While I’m sitting in my seat, I’m frequently moving my ankles and pumping my feet up and down to keep the blood flowing. I’m also a huge fan of compression socks. These will help your blood vessels work more efficiently. In addition, I try to get up every hour (when it’s safe to move about the cabin) and walk down the aisle and back.
3. Wipe It Down
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a germaphobe. I’m super creeped out by airplane seats (how do they clean those things?) and don’t get me started on tray tables. Ever since I saw someone changing their baby on a tray table, I always stick a small pack of antibacterial wipes in my carry on (yes you can take them in your carry on!) so I can quickly wipe off my seat and tray table. Do people think I’m crazy? Probably. Do I care? Of course not.
4. Boost Your Immune System
Starting about a week or two before my flight I start ramping up my vitamin C intake. I am a huge fan of Emergen-C Immune+ Powder Packets. I use them all the time and I especially swear by them when I feel like I’m getting sick. I start taking my Emergen-C daily before my flight and continue it until I get home. I like to take it daily while I’m on my trip to keep up my immune system and deter any bugs I might pick up along the way.
5. Catch some Zzzs
One of the best ways to keep you immune system healthy is to get plenty of sleep. Ideally, you should get an adequate amount of sleep every night in order to boost the immune system. I completely get that this isn’t always possible. I suggest at least trying to get enough rest the night before your flight. If you’re taking a red eye, try to at least catch a nap if you can swing it. I always pack my neck pillow, eye mask and ear plugs to help me at least get somewhat comfortable.
6. Be Prepared
Unfortunately, illness happens no matter what you try to do to prevent it. The best thing you can do is be prepared if it happens to you. I always keep a few over the counter medications on hand every trip including:
- ibuprofen or Tylenol
- an antihistamine such as Claritin or Xyzal
- motion sickness medication such as meclizine (this can help with nausea and vertigo too!)
- medication for constipation and/or diarrhea
Anyone else want to share some ways they like to keep healthy while traveling? Make sure you comment below!
