How To Stay Healthy While Traveling
It's no secret that air travel can affect your health. From the recycled air to the germs floating around, it's easy to come down with a cold, flu, or even COVID after a long flight. Luckily, there are a few ways to protect yourself.
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8 Ways to Boost Your Immune Health
From natural energy drinks to boost your immune system to simple hygiene practices, here are our top 8 tips to help you stay healthy while flying!
1. Opt for the Window Seat
The first step to staying healthy while flying is to choose the window seat whenever you have the option. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the best ways to avoid getting sick.
Here are two health-related reasons you should opt for the window seat:
- It’s further away from the aisle, where people are constantly walking by and potentially spreading germs.
- It’s more isolated because you only have one other passenger beside you, meaning there are fewer people near you and fewer opportunities for you to come in contact with other sick passengers.
In fact, according to a study done by Emory University in 2018, people in aisle seats had approximately 64 contacts with other passengers per flight, while passengers in window seats had only 12, a whopping 81% fewer contacts! [1]
So if you want to minimize your risk of getting sick, it’s always best to choose the window seat.
But what if the window seat is already taken?
Don’t worry! There are still ways to protect yourself. Keep reading for more tips that can help you stay safe while traveling.
2. Use Hand Sanitizers
This one is a must, no matter where you’re sitting on the plane. Hand sanitizer will help kill any germs you may have come into contact with and can protect you from getting sick.
Just make sure to choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol for it to be effective (as recommended by the CDC). And don’t forget to reapply after every meal or snack! [2]
3. Wear a Face Mask
Another simple way to protect yourself from getting sick while flying is to wear a face mask. Face masks help to filter out the recycled air on airplanes and protect you from the germs floating around.
They also make it less likely that you’ll touch your nose or face, which according to the APIC (Association for Professionals in Infection Control), is one of the main ways people catch colds and other respiratory infections. [3]
Though there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a face mask.
First, make sure that it covers both your nose and mouth. Second, choose a mask that is comfortable to wear for long periods. And lastly, make sure to wash your hands (or at least sanitize) before putting on and taking off your mask!
4. Clean Your Tray Table
Speaking of snacks, you know those tray tables on airplanes? The ones that have been touched by who knows how many people? Yeah, those are pretty gross.
But did you know that tray tables are one of the main places on airplanes where germs can spread? [4]
That’s why cleaning your tray table before using it is crucial. Wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe or spray and let it air dry. Doing this will help kill any germs lurking on the surface and ensure it’s nice and clean!
5. Wash Your Hands
Frequently washing your hands may seem common sense, but it’s still worth repeating. Try to wash your hands often while traveling or flying!
This is especially true if you’re using the restroom since public bathrooms are breeding grounds for germs.
Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. And if you can’t access a sink, hand sanitizers will work in a pinch!
6. Properly Rest Up Before Your Trip
This one is important no matter how long your flight is. Getting a good night’s sleep before you travel will help boost your immune system and prepare your body for the trip ahead. [5]
Plus, if you’re well-rested, you’ll be less likely to get cranky and stressed while traveling. And we all know how unwanted stress can completely ruin an exciting trip.
So, do yourself and your body a favor and get some rest before your next flight!
7. Keep the Vents On
You might be tempted to turn off the vents on an airplane to avoid blowing germs that could be floating around.
But believe it or not, keeping the vents on is a great way to stay healthy while flying.
The air that circulates through the vents is filtered and will help to keep the air around you clean and forms a barrier against germs by forcing airborne particles away from your breathing zone.
So, if you’re worried about germs, keep those vents on!
8. Stay Hydrated with Immunity-Aid Drinks
Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to protect your health, no matter where you are. But when you’re flying, it’s imperative to keep hydrated.
According to a study by Yale University, low humidity or dry air, such as that found in airplanes, can cause the mucus membranes of your airway and nose to dry out quickly, making you more susceptible to dehydration and getting sick. [6]
So, what’s the best way to stay hydrated and naturally boost your immune system while traveling?
Immunity-aid drinks!
Great Tasting Natural Immunity Aid Drinks
There are a variety of immunity-boosting drinks on the market, but one of the best all-natural energy drinks out there has to be Pepper Bru Lemon™.
Pepper Bru Lemon™ is a healthy energy drink that contains a uniquely perfect blend of Habanero peppers, lemons, ginger, honey, and immunity-boosting vitamins like vitamins A and C.
Plus, it’s low in sugar, so you can feel good about what you’re drinking, and it comes in a convenient travel-sized can so you can take it with you on the go.
If you’re looking for an easy and convenient way to boost your energy and immune health while traveling, pack a few immunity-aid drinks like Pepper Bru Lemon™!
At Pepper Bru™, we carefully and intentionally consider what goes into our drinks, including where we source each ingredient. Whenever possible, we buy locally to support small businesses in our community.
What are your top tips to protect your health while traveling? Please send us a message on Instagram @Pepper.Bru.
Sources
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Behaviors%2C-movements%2C-and-transmission-of-diseases-Hertzberg-Weiss/b546a4230ea1f5ed3f1f9e1f304f3fc679f20bbc?p2df
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/qa-consumers-hand-sanitizers-and-covid-19
- https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/dont-touch-your-face/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2014/05/20/study-airplane-tray-tables-carry-much-more-than-your-soda-and-pretzels/?sh=d61542b2ea97
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3256323/
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190513155635.htm
