Essential Health Tips for Safe Air Travel: Keeping You Safe and Comfortable

Travelling by air, whether for business or pleasure, can be a daunting experience. With concerns about germs, blood clots, and sleep disturbances, it's understandable to feel apprehensive. However, with the right health tips, air travel can be a comfortable and healthy experience. Below are some essential tips to help you stay healthy and happy during your next flight.

Pre-Flight Preparations

Boost Your Immunity: Prior to your flight, ensure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Vaccinations often take time to build immunity, so check with your doctor if you need any recommended or required vaccines for your international trip. Healthy immunity is your best defense against pathogens you might encounter during your travels.

On-Flight Comfort and Health

Keep Moving: Prolonged sitting can lead to the development of blood clots and deep vein thrombosis. Walk up and down the aisles, or stretch periodically to boost blood flow. Your physician can also suggest wearing compression socks to help with blood circulation and prevent swelling.

Wipe Down Your Surroundings: Airplanes are not sterile environments. They are covered in germs and bacteria that can make you sick. Carry a packet of alcohol-based sanitizing wipes to disinfect your tray table, armrests, seat belt, and seat. Wiping down frequently touched surfaces can help reduce your risk of infection.

Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common side effect of air travel. It can disrupt your sleep cycle, worsen the physical symptoms of jet lag, and weaken your immune system. Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages as they can further dehydrate you.

Rest Up: Sleep deprivation can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep before your flight and try to sleep on the plane when you travel across time zones. Proper rest will help you adapt to your new time zone faster.

Clean Your Hands: Germs are often passed through your hands. Keep your hands away from your face and use hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol after touching any surfaces on the airplane and before you eat or drink. Use it after washing your hands in the plane's bathroom, as water can sometimes carry bacteria.

Using Air Circulation

Adjust the Air Vent: The air from the vent can be adjusted to a medium setting. Do so to avoid settling infectious diseases into your personal space. Instead, the air current will blow them away, reducing your risk of air-borne illnesses.

In conclusion, with these health tips, air travel can be a safer and more comfortable experience. By taking care of your health and wellness, you can enjoy your journey and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and energized.