Five Things Travelers Can Do to Avoid Getting Sick from Airplanes
Are you planning a trip and worried about getting sick? Well, you aren’t the only one. Every Fall, viruses and other illnesses are ramping up just in time to get in the way of your trip of a lifetime. It’s a traveler’s worst nightmare to get to their dream destination only to be stuck in their hotel room the whole time. One in 6 travelers is forced to cancel or delay their travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances, commonly due to illness. This number has likely skyrocketed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although you can try to put your fears at ease by purchasing travel insurance, you can actually reduce your chances of getting sick by doing these 5 simple things before and during your trip.
In this post, I will cover The Five Things Travelers can do to Avoid Getting Sick from Airplanes:
1. Boost your Immune System
Boost your immune system by eating lots of fruits and vegetables before and during travel. Focus on eating foods rich in Vitamin A (e.g., carrots and spinach) and Vitamin C (e.g., citrus fruits) to shorten the duration of symptoms if you get sick. If you take blood thinners, be sure to consult with your practitioner before making any sudden dietary changes.
2. Ditch the “Red Eye”
Ditch the “red eye” and get plenty of quality sleep. Sleep deprivation can create additional stressors on the body and weaken the immune system. Give yourself the energy and strength you need to fight off infection by getting a full night’s rest. Here are some pictures my friend took of me shortly after picking me up from the airport after not following my own advice on this one. 
3. Perform Good Hand Hygiene
Wash and sanitize your hands often. Avoid biting your nails, chewing on pencils, or rubbing your eyes to decrease the chance of viral transmission. This may seem simple, but handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.
4. Sanitize Surfaces
Sanitize surfaces like your seat, seatbelt, armrest, table tray, headrests, and even window when you reach your assigned seat. I usually wipe down the entire row if I am the first person to arrive and will even offer some sanitizing wipes to my neighbors if I don’t get early boarding. You would be surprised how many people will accept a free sanitizing wipe once they see you wiping down your seat.
5. Store Personal Items on your Lap
Avoid storing your personal items on the floor or behind the seat in front of you. These unexpected storage places are rarely cleaned and have been used by loads of passengers before you. You can only imagine how dirty the floor is if you place your bag there. Pack light and keep the essentials right on your lap.
Author Bio: Patricia “Trish” Strobehn is a Travel Blogger with a Ph.D. in Nursing from Mercer University. She is board-certified as an Emergency and Family Nurse Practitioner in Las Vegas, NV.
Author Credentials: Patricia Strobehn, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, ENP-C
Disclaimer: This post was developed for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical care or advice. Please get in touch with your practitioner to discuss your individual healthcare needs.