It’s a horrible feeling to fall sick during a trip and no one wants to bear the pain before departing on a happy holiday. In a confined place like a plane, it may be hard to avoid germs and viruses from people seated in the same zone as you are. But instead of worrying about falling sick, take some preventive measures or follow our tips to prevent falling prey to bugs.
In this article, we will elaborate more on 10 ways in which you can follow to minimize the chances of getting unwell while on a plane. These include keeping your hands clean, getting enough rest and maintaining a healthy diet.
Know your symptoms: Covid-19 VS Cold VS Flu
1. Keep your hands clean
You’ve probably heard this advice countless times. With the coronavirus ongoing from 2019, the World Health Organization has also written this piece of advice as a protective measure for one to protect themselves during this ongoing outbreak. Hands often carry microbes from touching contaminated surfaces and if you think items at home are cleaner than those in public places, think twice. Use soap and wash your hands as often as possible as a first common sense defense to harmful bacteria.
2. Avoid touching your face
Following our first tip, bacteria or virus that thrives on our hands can easily get to us as we touch our faces subconsciously. If you’ve ever rubbed your eyes because of a little itch and end up getting a runny nose and itchy throat after, you know what we mean. The eyes, mouth, and nose are hot spots for transmission and infection happens almost instantly. If water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand rub as a secondary measure.
3. Pack sanitizers and masks
Alcohol-based hand rub may not be available on flights so do pack a mini travel-approved hand sanitizer for your personal use. Go the distance if necessary and use anti-bacterial wipes to disinfect your airplane seat surroundings and surfaces in which you come into contact with frequently, like armrests. Pack sufficient surgical mask since you will be in an enclosed area for an extended period of time.
4. Sleep well before the flight
A good night’s rest will keep your immune system active and not impaired, thus making sure your body is in good condition and not vulnerable to viruses. In fact, establishing a sleep routine will help you to sleep better and improve your immune system in the long run. This helps you to not get sick as you get about doing your daily activities (not just on a plane). Making a few changes might help tweak your sleeping pattern. Try avoiding caffeine 6 hours before bedtime, take short walks throughout the day and put away screens an hour before hitting the sack.
5. Stay hydrated
The human body requires water to function properly and depriving it will reduce your body’s resistance. Not to mention it helps with regulating body temperature, aids in digestion and improves blood circulation. If you’re flying a budget airline and are reluctant to purchase water, then consider bringing your own water bottle. Empty it before going through baggage checks and refill it with the available water dispensers before boarding.
6. Maintain a healthy diet
You’ve probably heard of this saying, “you are what you eat”. A balanced diet with the right nutrients in your food intake will ensure that your body is fit to fight off potential infections. Foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and grains contain antioxidants which in turn protect cells from damage that may otherwise lead to disease. Apart from adjusting your diet, consider supplements like vitamin C or a daily multivitamin to help build your resistance as well.
7. Avoid the bathroom (if possible)
This may sound silly to people with frequent urination habits. But think about it, the plane’s washroom has one of the highest human traffic, and thus, the highest risk of infection. While it may be possible to avoid the bathroom on short flights, it doesn’t seem doable on long ones. However, you can reduce trips to the toilet by observing your water intake. Drink enough so you don’t thirst and to keep your urine clear but not too much at one go, especially if you’re boarding in an hour or two. Remember to wash your hands and sanitize when necessary.
8. Opt for a window seat
Studies done by a team of public health researchers have shown that people seated at window seats have a lesser chance of contracting infectious illnesses. Led by Emory University’s Vicki Stover Hertzberg and Howard Weiss, they have noted that compared to the aisle seat where you will most likely encounter quite a few people moving past you throughout the flight, there’s less human traffic for passengers sitting at window seats. Percentage-wise, 43 percent seated at the window seats moved around as opposed to 80 percent of people seated on the aisle.
9. Turn on the air vents
It is comforting to know that the air circulating inside planes is as clean as that in operating rooms. According to the International Air Transport Association’s medical adviser, Dr. David Powell, the current flights have its internal air changed many times, in fact, more frequently than that in enclosed areas like the office. Therefore, the risk of contracting a virus on a plane is lower than the risk of spending time in an office. However, if you’re seated close to people who are coughing and sneezing, that may be a concern. To counter that, turn on the overhead air vent at your seat to filter out potential airborne germs.
10. Carry some medicine
Those with existing medical conditions should bring along their personal medicine to alleviate symptoms should they act up during a flight. Remember to pack common medication in your carry-on baggage so you have easy access to them when needed. Do not panic if you have none at hand. Cabin crews are most likely to carry basic medicine and painkillers so ask away if you’re feeling unwell.
Have social responsibility
While following these tips may greatly reduce the chance of catching an illness while on a flight and ruining your hard-earned holiday, it is important to practice social responsibility. Do not travel if you’re unwell but if the trip is urgent or extremely essential, then frequent hand washing and drying them after is the best procedure to follow.
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