Staying Healthy in the Air

Traveling is an experience enjoyed by many people of all backgrounds and ages, but it can also make you sick. Besides the stress of standing in long airport lines and extended layovers, several other factors can contribute to sickness or bodily discomfort.

Common Airborne Diseases

• The common cold is one of the most easily contracted illnesses on flights. Besides catching a cold from other passengers, people can come down with colds because of the reduction in humidity of airplane air which can dry out nasal passages and cause fatigue, which can lead to illness.

• Influenza is a more serious threat, as this disease is probably the main cause of it being spread globally. The best way to reduce the odds of getting the flu when flying is to get your annual flu shot, remembering that it takes two weeks after getting the inoculation that you will be immune.

• Meningitis spreads by contact with respiratory secretions. According to an MSNBC article, 21 meningitis cases were reported during 1991 and 2001. It's believed people came down with meningitis because they sat too close to contagious passengers.

• Measles is extremely contagious. The most recently known airborne infection was in 2002 when children from a Chinese orphanage came to the United States who were obviously infected with the disease when they flew.
  

Preventing Dehydration

• Because dehydration can easily occur on flights it's important to stay hydrated. Rather than drink from plastic cups, insist on bottled water. Don't ask for ice cubes because it's possible they could be made from unsafe water. Although you can't bring liquids, over three ounces, through airport security check lines, take an empty water bottle and add water while you're waiting at the gate for your flight.

• Only drink coffee or tea on the plane if the water used in making it is bottled or boiled.

• Restrict you consumption of caffeine alcohol because this can cause dehydration, as well as jet lag.

Improving Blood Circulation

• Blood circulation can be affected on flights and especially during long ones. That's why it helps to get out of your seat and walk at regular intervals.

• Don't wear tight clothing and do regular stretching exercises while sitting, such as flexing or extending ankles which helps with circulatory problems.

Protecting Ears During Flight

Rapid changes in the air pressure of an airplane cabin can occur, typically when a plane takes off or lands, which can cause ear discomfort. This can also happen in flight as a plane passes through turbulence zones. Because the Eustachian Tube may not be able to keep up with these pressure changes, earaches, sinuses or other discomforts may occur.

Chewing gum or swallowing several times can help to equalize ear pressure. Another remedy is to use earplugs such as "EarPlanes," which are about five dollars for a pair, although after two uses they should be discarded.

How to Lift Luggage to Avoid Injury

Lifting and carrying large, bulky luggage can injure your back or strain muscles, joints and bones. By following helpful tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons you can prevent injuries.

• Use only light, sturdy luggage that is easy to transport, containing wheels and a handle.
• Pack lightly and use more than one large luggage piece.
• Rather than carrying heavy luggage for an extended time period, use a baggage claim service for heavier items.
• Carry luggage pieces in both hands, instead of in just one hand off to the side, because this can reduce spinal stress.
  
• Placing less weight on a single arm can lower the risk of "suitcase elbow", which is similar to "tennis elbow."
• Luggage placed in an overhead compartment should first be lifted up to the top of a seat and then lifted up, placing your hands on both sides of the luggage.
  
• As for backpacks, only choose those with two padded and adjustable shoulder straps so the weight of the backpack is equally balanced.

Finally, don't be afraid to fly because there are health risks. Being paranoid can also cause stress, which can also lead to sickness. Instead, use common sense and be sure to pack any medications in your carry-on bag, determining to enjoy your flight.