It’s the busiest time of year, with millions of Americans preparing to travel for the holidays. For many, travel can be exhausting and take its toll on your body. This weakens the immune system and leaves you vulnerable to falling ill when you’re hoping to spread holiday cheer. It doesn’t help that airplanes can be a breeding ground for germs that can easily latch onto you.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research found that people were 113 times more likely to catch the common cold during a flight than standard ground transmission. Another study conducted by TravelMath, found that tray-table surfaces had more than eight times the number of bacteria per square inch than bathroom flush buttons.
The trays reportedly had 2,155 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch, compared to the 127, which is normally found on a standard toilet seat at home, according to the National Science Foundation. It’s also possible that deadly bacteria, including E. coli, can live on airplane surfaces for up to a week.
These studies conclude that in confined spaces like airplanes, it’s easy for passengers to come out of their flight feeling a bit ill. So don’t let the Grinch steal your festive spirit! Take proactive steps to safeguard your well-being and ensure a healthy holiday season.
To avoid getting sick this holiday travel season, use sanitizer wipes to clean frequently touched surfaces, such as tray tables, armrests, and seatbelts. This can help significantly reduce the risk of encountering harmful bacteria. Regularly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after using the washroom and before eating. You can support your immune system by staying hydrated throughout your flight. This method helps flush out toxins and improves your body’s natural defenses. You can also try to snag the window seat, which helps limit your exposure to aisle traffic and allows you to take advantage of the plane’s wall. This helps reduce the chance of direct contact with fellow travelers.
While all these steps are great in reducing the chance of getting sick, there is still one more thing that can help strengthen your immune system and ensure your body is ready to hit the air, and that’s with vaccinations. Routine vaccinations, such as influenza, can improve your health and the community’s health. Before heading out this holiday season, confirm if you are up to date with your vaccinations, as it can serve as a baseline for overall protection against the germs you may encounter at the airport.
Depending on where you are traveling, consider getting vaccines that address unique health risks associated with certain destinations. Diseases like typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and yellow fever can be threats in specific regions of the world. By taking the necessary precautions and getting vaccinated against these risks, you add an extra layer of defense against potential health hazards during your travels.
If you’re traveling with young ones, consider their vaccination schedule as well. Children’s immune systems are still developing and being exposed to a high-germ environment does leave them very vulnerable to getting sick. Check with your pediatrician to confirm that your child’s immunizations are current, or if they are old enough to receive a vaccine, and discuss any additional immunization that may be recommended based on your destination.
In addition to personal health measures, it’s essential to prioritize mental well-being during holiday travel. The stress and rush of the season, combined with the challenges of navigating crowded airports and managing tight schedules, can take a toll on your mental health, which can trickle down to your physical health. Ensure you take some time to rest and perform simple exercises to help during these stressful times. Doing this can contribute to a strengthened immune system and overall resilience to the flu.
By incorporating these health-conscious practices into your travel routine, you can maximize the joy of the holiday season while minimizing the risk of falling ill. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being ensures you arrive at your destination ready to celebrate with loved ones, creating lasting memories during this festive time of year. Safe travels and happy holidays!
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Sources:
National Library of Medicine: Health risks to air travelers
Science Direct: Air Travel: Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Jet Lag
Center for Disease Prevention and Control: Travelers’ Health
