Air Travel Health Tips: How to Keep Summer Colds Away
As we head into the end of summer, many families are traveling the friendly (and sometimes germy) skies to vacation and visit family and friends. Unfortunately, for many, that means summer colds and vacation woes. Here are a few friendly tips for keeping those colds at bay.
HYDRATE. One of the biggest problems with air travel is the low humidity on the planes which tends to dry out sinuses and create a breeding ground for airborne germs. Staying well hydrated with plenty of water will both counter the effects of air travel such as fatigue, headaches and nausea, and help your body’s natural defenses battle any bugs that might be on the lurk. Beware of alcohol and even coffee as both can dehydrate rather than hydrate. When traveling – H2O is still the best way to go!
WASH. Wash your hands often with hot water and soap – even more so when you travel. Handrails and seat backs and all the many things you come in contact with in an airport, taxi or even hotel can be a virtual soup of germs. In those cases where hot water and soap aren’t available, settle for an alcohol-based anti-bacterial.
VITAMIN UP. If it sounds a little like your mom in your ear telling you to take your vitamins, then so be it in terms of keeping your family well. A good multivitamin and of course, large doses of Vitamin C are always good preventative measures for keeping colds at bay or at least lessening the duration of them should one strike.
Of course, if you are one of the many people who suffer from chronic sinus symptoms such as sneezing, water eyes, congestion and discomfort, there may be something larger afoot in terms of your overall health. If you feel like you or a family member simply can’t shake the summer cold bugs or congestion, give us a call. We may be able to help you sort out what’s behind your discomfort and illness and get you back on the road to recovery quick so you can enjoy the rest of the summer (and the rest of your life!)
