It's finally time to embark on the plane ride which will carry you to your vacation paradise. The last thing you need is a bout of illness to ruin the long-awaited holiday. Although you'll be travelling in a confined area with a group of strangers, some of whom may be suffering from contagious diseases, there are ways to protect yourself and stay healthy. Here are a few suggestions:
* Get a flu shot before leaving.
* If possible, fly first class or business class. The seats are further apart and this could be helpful if one of your fellow passengers is coughing and sneezing.
* Carry sanitizing sheets and wipe down non-porous surfaces you're likely to touch, such as arm rests, trays, and seat belt buckles.
* Turn the air vent, above your head, away so you won't be directly breathing in re-circulated air.
* If you're sitting near a passenger who is coughing, sneezing or obviously ill, ask to move. You have a right to avoid an obvious threat to your health.
* Keep your hands away from your face. Germs enter the body through mouth, eyes and nose.
* In case you forget, carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and use it often.
* Carry a travel-size bottle of germicidal mouthwash, such as Listerine, and use it during the flight.
* If you use the washroom, wash your hands with soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least thirty seconds. Open the door with a paper towel when leaving.
* If you're on an overnight flight, you may want to bring your own pillow and blanket.
* Some people use a cotton swab and coat the inside of their noses with an antibiotic ointment, such as Polysporin. It sounds strange, but they swear it works well against air-born germs.
Travelling, even for pleasure, puts extra stress on the body. Follow these tips to ensure a strong immune system, which will fight any germs which manage to penetrate your defences.
* Get plenty of sleep beforehand. Don't stay up all night packing, or partying with friends.
* Drink plenty of water. Arid air in the plane's cabin can dry out protective mucous membranes in the sinuses. It's important to keep the body well-hydrated. Instead of cola, alcohol or beverages containing caffeine, drink plain water during the flight and lots of it.
* Eat well. Fatty or sugar-laden foods will slow you down and adversely affect the immune system. It may be wise to pack your own healthy snacks to eat en route.
* Relax. Stress weakens the immune system. Read, listen to soothing music, and/or practice deep breathing exercises during the flight.
* Follow the Golden Rule. If you're sick, postpone your trip. If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth.
Modern air transportation is a marvellous innovation. Today's generation can visit parts of the earth their forebears had little chance of seeing. Travel for business, social affairs or for pure pleasure is a common occurrence today for many of the world's inhabitants.
Wise travellers will take every precaution to ensure they arrive at their destinations rested, in good health and ready to deal with whatever adventures and eventualities await them there.
tweet this!