Health Security!

We are starting to feel tingles of spring coming in sunny Austin! Hooray! However, it seems that right now is peak time for colds, flu, and major allergy issues. We are also in full swing putting together everyone’s spring and summer travel plans, and starting to think about our own, providing we can actually get away from our desks. In any case, this brings a scenario to mind that I’m sure you are all too aware of: the dreaded cougher/blowing nose/sore throat neighbor of doom.

Getting stuck on a plane with a sick person is like being trapped with the plague for hours on end. All the shared space, rubbing shoulders, and cold, recycled air makes airplanes virtual incubators, and I for one have fallen victim to the post-flight illness that has ruined one too many vacations. Even in a perfect world where all appears smooth and healthy, you never know if you’ll be sharing someone’s germs from ten aisles behind you.

But, never fear! In this post I have put together a plan of attack to help prevent any surprise bugs:

BEFORE YOU FLY

- Load up on those immunity-boosting vitamins. Seriously consider rounds of ProBiotics—healthy bacteria and yeast in supplement form—for the whole family. At the very least, pile up the Vitamin C, especially for the last 3 days before your departure. Pack some Emergen-C just in case.

- Consider flu shots for the whole family. It’s not a guarantee, and even I have a hard time getting myself to the clinic each fall, but flu shots are your best chance to completely deflect the myriad of flu germs floating around at 30,000 feet.

Image courtesy of MSNBC.

EN ROUTE

- I know this is almost unspeakable, especially for those long international flights, but skip the coffee in lieu of green or black tea with lemon. Tea is loaded with healthy antioxidants, lemon is full of germ-killing citrus and Vitamin C, and both are way more hydrating than caffeinated, diuretic coffee. For you Starbucks lovers, the Green Tea Lemonade is delicious!

- Sit in an aisle seat. This is another toughy for those of us who like to snooze by the window, but consider that statement—EVERYONE likes to snooze on the window. Think of all the foreheads and noses that have touched that area, not to mention how many people have been breathing all over it. Invest in a neck pillow and spare your neighbors the sleeping shoulder sloucher.

- Don’t forget the absolute Golden Rule: wash your hands, over and over and over again. Between the check-in kiosk, the arm rests at the gate, the overhead bins, not to mention the on-board lavatory, we come into contact with billions of germs from literally thousands of different people. Keep a 3oz. hand sanitizer with you at all times. Wetnaps are also a great option for younger kids.

Image courtesy of TIME.

ONCE YOU ARRIVE

- The first 36 hours after landing are your most vulnerable. Everyone wants to hit the ground running, but in most cases are fighting some serious jet lag. When fighting to stay awake, plan some moderate walking tours that will keep you on your feet and engaged. Don’t fall asleep on the bus! If having trouble getting to sleep on time, pack some melatonin. Researches have shown that those who take as little as .3mg of melatonin get an extra 30 minutes of sleep.

- Shower as soon as possible once you arrive. Even if you miraculously come out of the flight without feeling grimy, you are still going to be covered in foreign contaminates despite your greatest efforts. Plus, a hot or cool shower can do wonders to ease some tension and get you in the right frame of mind for your trip.