The last thing you want to have happen when you’re traveling is to become ill or catch a cold. We’ve all seen the sniffling and coughing of other passengers in the airport, reminding you to reach for the antibacterial hand gel. Airports are among the most frequented places in the world, where many types of bacteria are transported, left, and picked up along the way.
Dr. Constantine George says, “You’re more likely to catch an illness or infection while traveling. Whether you’re flying in an airplane and forced to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with so many people in a closed cabin…traveling puts much stress on your immune system. Studies show you’re anywhere from 20 to 113 percent more likely to catch a cold while traveling.”
So, how can we escape the feeling of being trapped in a petri dish while traveling from one place to another?
Don’t stress out about it.
From arriving to the airport on time, to going through security and dealing with delays – the many challenges of traveling can become worrisome. Staying hydrated, arriving rested, and carrying a calming item (ex. a book, or your favorite music) can help keep you relaxed and quiet your fears.
Wash your hands.
Often. Once you enter the airport, you’re touching bins, straps on the train between terminals, tickets/IDs, and sitting in seats that were occupied just before you. You’re constantly touching and feeling. If you’re not carrying hand sanitizer, use the bathroom to wash your hands once you’ve arrived at your gate. Equally as important, try to minimize touching your face until you’ve had the opportunity to wash any germs from your hands.
Skip the airport food and drinks.
Deciding to skip on airport food and drinks means that you should be prepared to travel with your own snacks. Dr. Ryan M. Greene advises, “Unless you travel with an airline in their first-class cabin, many of the options are principally processed, energy dense but nutritionally poor options that do not support physiologic optimization. If you can bring your own nutritious food options, those tend to be better tasting and also better for you. Whole food, plant-based options when available are excellent and easily transported options that can sustain one while waiting for travel or during a flight.”
Exercise when you land.
If being active and exercising is a part of your daily routine, then you should continue with that once you’ve arrived at your destination. Disregarding your daily routine will increase the feeling of fatigue and illness. Just like in your day-to-day routine, fueling your body with exercise keeps your system balanced and healthy.
Sleep.
Depriving your body of rest and sleep can harmfully impact your immune system. While changes to diet and activity can have negative effects on your health, disrupting your sleep schedule may be the most negative of all. Especially on your first night of sleep after travel, you should aim to get eight hours of solid shuteye before beginning any activities in your new city or place. Sleep is critical to the proper functioning of your immune system, and more than anything else, it could help in keeping you happy and healthy to enjoy your time away from home.