Travel health: 10 ways to keep germs away

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure there’s always a chance to get sick. Take precautions by considering these 10 practical tips to help avoid illnesses and boost travel health:

1. Plan vaccines

Prevention is a big part of staying well while traveling so make sure your necessary vaccines are updated and you follow all health precautions for your destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an up-to-date immunization schedule for all ages.

2. Carry insurance

Ensure that your medical insurance is valid while you’re abroad. Keep a copy of your doctor’s current contact information and a list of medications and dosages.

3. Take supplements

Taking immune system supplements may help maintain positive travel health. According to Canadian Family Physician some supplements like Vitamin C echinacea and zinc may boost your immune system and ward off illness. Consult your doctor if you have questions about any supplements.

4. Get sleep

Adequate rest is essential for a solid immune defense revealed Psychology Today. Instead of forcing four hours of pre-travel preparation into two hours pack and prepare for your trip a few days before traveling to allow for adequate sleep the night before you leave.

5. Prioritize nutrition

Unless you’re buying prepackaged food on board consider avoiding airline food that can increase your chances of obtaining foodborne illnesses. Instead purchase healthy foods at airport vendors or pack healthy snacks in your carry-on. Foods such as granola bars nuts whole fruit carrot sticks and beef jerky are allowed in your carry-on through security screening.

6. Stay hydrated

Traveling creates a heightened need for increased hydration. Travelers need to drink water which helps avoid irritation of the nose and throat the CDC noted. Keep a bottle of water with you and avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as these dehydrate your body.

7. Wash hands

Keep your hands clean to prevent germs from transferring from your hands to your eyes mouth and nose. Also engage in frequent hand-washing with soap and water. Using a 60 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good choice if hand-washing isn’t an option.

8. Disinfect surfaces

Cold and flu viruses can survive on hard surfaces like stainless steel and plastic for 24 to 48 hours according to the Journal of Applied Microbiology. A small pack of disinfecting wipes is beneficial for cleaning germs off public surfaces like door handles faucets restaurant tables arm rests and airplane seatback tray tables.

9. Prevent illness

The lack of humidity in airplane cabins can decrease the moisture from the tissues in your nose and mouth compromising your body’s natural defense system. Carry a small bottle of nose spray and mints or lozenges to keep your nose and mouth moist.

10. Bring comfort

Skip out on soft surfaces such as airline pillows and blankets as they aren’t always sanitized after every flight. Instead carry a light blanket and keep an inflatable neck pillow in your carry-on.

Following these simple tips will help keep your immune defense strong and maintain your health while traveling.

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