Away on Business: How to Avoid In-Flight Colds

tycoonjack · 10-05-2003, 02:17 PM

Quote:

The flight is packed, the bone-dry air is recirculating in the cabin and someone five rows away is having a coughing fit.

What can a traveler do to guard against something as common as the everyday cold or as stealthy as SARS (news - web sites) in the elbow-to-elbow confinement of an airline cabin?

There seems to be general agreement, according to a number of experts consulted, that air travelers are at higher risk for colds and other microbial or viral infections, perhaps simply because of the close quarters involved.

The suggested countermeasures are simple, ranging from washing your hands and not touching your face to bringing along your own pillow and perhaps using saline solutions to cleanse the nose.

Nugget · 10-05-2003, 03:26 PM

I always try to shower first thing upon arriving at my hotel (or back at home on the return trip). I keep my glasses on during the flight to discourage eye-rubbing.

It works most of the time, I guess. But not enough.

dbaker · 10-05-2003, 05:31 PM

Planes are dirty, filthy, disgusting bacteria farms.

Zicam!

Cowbert · 10-24-2003, 10:34 AM

yeah i always break out with zits on my face after being on an airliner.

Nugget · 10-24-2003, 02:31 PM

At least on flights to Tokyo you can wear those face masks without getting funny looks.

10-05-2003, 03:26 PM	#2
Nugget Senior Member ITYT Navigator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: AUS [Austin, TX, USA] Posts: 610	I always try to shower first thing upon arriving at my hotel (or back at home on the return trip). I keep my glasses on during the flight to discourage eye-rubbing. It works most of the time, I guess. But not enough. __________________

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10-05-2003, 05:31 PM	#3
dbaker Senior Member ITYT Captain Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: IAH/HOU Posts: 2,354	Planes are dirty, filthy, disgusting bacteria farms. Zicam!

10-24-2003, 10:34 AM	#4
Cowbert Junior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: BDL [Windsor Locks, CT, USA] Posts: 8	yeah i always break out with zits on my face after being on an airliner.

10-24-2003, 02:31 PM	#5
Nugget Senior Member ITYT Navigator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: AUS [Austin, TX, USA] Posts: 610	At least on flights to Tokyo you can wear those face masks without getting funny looks.