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Staying Well During Travel
March 9, 2010 | Permalink
Few things will put more fear in the heart of a road warrior than a suspicious sneeze, a persistent cough or a nagging sore throat. Getting sick while traveling is one of those things best avoided at almost all cost.
A major contributor to travel colds is the time we spend on airplanes. Interestingly, the issue isn’t necessarily air recirculation but low cabin humidity, according to a study in the Journal of Environmental Health Research.
After all, if your nose and throat are too dry to trap germs before they get into your body, you are at increased risk of getting sick. Everything you touch while traveling, from the handrail in the airport to the armrest on your seat carries the germs of the travelers that went before you. Ignoring these facts alone will have the unwitting traveler down in no time.
To stay well you must remain hydrated. Don’t rely on the flight attendant to bring you water. Pack an empty water bottle in your tote bag and fill it after you have passed through security. Don’t drink all at once. To most fully absorb the water, take small sips very often. Avoid drinks like coffee, sodas with caffeine and alcoholic beverages. These will actually dehydrate your further.
You will get even more benefit from drinking a warm beverage. Just not coffee. Consider packing some Crystal Light or Tang powder. Your flight attendant will gladly provide a cup of hot water. But don’t stop there. Your nose is under attack by the dry cabin air. This can be resolved for less than $10 and a trip to the corner drug store. A saline nasal spray may be all your nose needs to stay clear and healthy.
Here’s another alert - keep your hands clean. You touch a counter or a handrail, then put a piece of gum or candy in your mouth. You could be your own worst enemy. But no traveler can be constantly running to the restroom to wash his or her hands. Carry a small, remember the 3-ounce rule at security, alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The Center for Disease Control recommends that you use products with at least 60% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
Most experienced travelers have their own special items taken to prevent the onset of a cold. Some travelers rely on immune system boosters, like Airborne. Vitamin C and E are also favorite items to help the immune system, as is the mineral zinc. For more information on these and other vitamins, read this Family Nutrition article.
If the worst happens and you still get sick, be grateful that you are staying with Extended Stay Hotels. The well-equipped kitchen provided at all Extended Stay Hotels means that you have a full-sized refrigerator for juices and healthy foods, plus you don’t have to go out for meals.
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