Traveling has its benefits. You get to see the world, meet new people, and it opens your mind to new possibilities. While there are many great things about jetting off on your next adventure, your experience can sour when you end up on a flight with a sneezing, coughing person (that may or may not cover their mouth). You might not be able to escape them during the trip, but there are ways you can prepare so that you don’t take their virus with you to your destination.
Here are a few tips for staying healthy during your travels.
Take Care Before You Travel
One of the best ways to ward off cold and flu germs is by making sure your immune system is strong. Eating well, drinking water, and getting enough sleep before traveling is the key to keeping your system ready to fight off unwanted germs.
Wash Your Hands
Since your hands will likely be your first contact with flu and cold germs, be sure to keep them clean. Viruses can last hours on surfaces and your skin so if you can’t get to soap and water, pack hand sanitizer or Wet Ones to clean your hands.
Skip The Aisle Seat
Business Insider reported that a person sitting in an aisle seat has an 80 percent chance of getting sick if they’re sitting across from a sick passenger in the aisle seat directly across from them. If you’re a person that prefers the aisle, during peak cold and flu months, it’s probably a good idea to find a new preference.
Don’t Use The Tray Table
According to TravelMath, tray tables are one of the dirtiest places on the plane. When your in-flight snack comes, be sure to have Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on hand to wipe down your tray table.
Open Your Air Vent
Airplanes can get chilly. The cold air prompts many passengers to close their air vents, but that chill has its benefits. When someone in the cabin sneezes or coughs, the air circulation can move their germs away from where you’re sitting, if you’re sitting next to a seatmate that might be sick.