What do you do to prevent catching colds on long flights?
 

I am so paranoid about catching something on our upcoming trip to New Zealand. I've gotten sick from being on long flights before and, boy can that ruin your vacation! I would just be devastated if either one of us were to get sick on the way over there.
I've heard of an herb called Airborne...anyone try this? What are some of your suggestions to keep your immune system in tip-top shape for those super-long flights?

I think many get sick when travelling due to lack of sleep and also from WORRY. So don't worry about it, stress causes all sorts of illness.

It seems echinacea is the only proven herb to assist resistence so if Airborne includes this as an ingedient may help.

And don't worry :)

Echinacea. Vitamin C. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask like the Japanese do.

Drink lots of scotch whisky as it kills the germs, my partner says!

Dont worry! Take a heap of flu & stomach remedies & be happy! My medicine kit weight 3 kgs. There is nothing wrong or strange with that!

I really don't think you can prevent getting colds in jet aircraft, mainly due to the air conditioning system, which allows any airborne viruses to travel freely around the plane. I just recently returned to Australia from UK, and on our last leg, from Dubai to Brisbane, guess who caught a cold, yes yours truly.
I found that when I returned, swimming each day in the ocean, really helps to get rid of the darn cold.

I believe that Airborne DOES contain echinacea. I think I might try it. Combined with a little extra vitamin C and washing my hands alot, maybe that'll do the trick. I know to get plenty of rest and to try not to rub your eyes or touch your face without washing hands first is always a good way to prevent catching stuff. So, I'll put all these together and try not to stress about it...that'll be the hardest part:)
Thanks!!

Good tips so far. One more... NEVER use the air vent blower thingy above your head, near the light. You are just blowing other people's germs right on your face. Turn it off immediately when settling in your seat.

These two things work for me - Airborne and Zicam. The Airborne is a tablet which is dissolved in water like Alka Seltzer. The Zicam (spray is what I use) goes in your nose a few times a day.

A friend who is a nurse told me to apply Neosporin around your nostrils before you fly. The thin film will catch anything before it gets into your system. Sounds a little wacky, but since starting this I've had few, if any, colds when traveling on planes (and we are on them about once a month).

Here in the US one of our highly rated TV Magazine shows (I think it was Dateline) recently ran a story about the "myth" about catching cold on an aircraft. In actuality, the recirculated air passes through several high grade filtering systems (electrostatic and heppa, I believe) before it is re-introduced into the cabin. The air is actually "cleaner" and more germ free than the air in most office buildings and many people's homes. Think about it, if recirculated air were the culpret, than the pilots, FA's and frequent flyers would have perpetual colds.

I am afraid that most of the advice here has little scientific basis. Recirculated air is filtered and unlikely to infect you with an upper respiratory infection. The Japanese use face masks to prevent the spread of their cold or flu. Normal masks do not prevent you from inspiring airborn pathogens although there are some masks that do. These masks I believe are made by 3M. Washing your hands with soap as a much as possible is your best defence. Wiping off surfaces which may have been contaminated by someone ill with an antiseptic might also be of some help. There are many commercial wipes that can sanitize your hands and your surroundings. Being rested before your trip and avoiding alcohol may be of theoretical help to your immune defences.

mjs-ever heard of the phrase "tongue in cheek"? Most people will of course ask their doctor if they are seeking medical advice. The advice given here is simply other travellers opinions & experiences.

Dear Luv,

Yes, I use Airborne. Does it work? I have no idea. I can't tell if it's just my own immune system + the Airborne that works, or if it's just my immume system! But I use it anyway, and I don't get sick.

However, and this is just my own personal opinion based on hearing my client's stories....a huge percentage of them seem to get sick -- mostly 3 days AFTER their trip. And of course there is a percentage who get sick at the BEGINNING of their trip!

Again, my own opinion, but I see a trend where most of my clients are stressed out, putting in long hours at work before their trip in order to leave their jobs, excited, sleep deprived and pretty much exhausted. You put that into the mix with being in a crowded airport / restroom, with people coughing, breathing, touching the doors, counters, etc, coming from all over the world, and you've got a receipe for illness.

In addition to Airborne, I use Purell, the anticeptic soap frequently and I don't get sick.

Just my 2 cents.

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist

I was going to post my opinion and than saw that Melodie posted what I wanted to say.

So many travellers are so overtired and stressed out the day before they leave for the airport I truly think that is why they catch colds/viruses etc.

A long time ago I learned to be completely packed, luggage in the entry by the front door including the carryon and all documents, cash, cc cards, atm card etc in order. All ready to go two days before the trip. And I make sure all bills, paperwork is taken care of, all last minute things have been tended to.

Two good nights sleep, a relaxing day before the day of the flight. No last minute chores, packing etc. Consequently one leaves rested and well the day of the flight. At least that works for me and I never get ill flying.

So, I went out and bought some Airborne yesterday, and I decided that my main focus will be to NOT stress out about it so much:)
Italy: I'll definitely try your idea of having everything taken care of a couple of days before...that sounds smart!
Thanks to all for the advice!
Good, safe travels to all:)

Hello luv2globetrot, once you get in the habit of having everything ready for your trip you never again will want to have a lot of last minutes chores to do. It really does add to the enjoyment of the trip be it that you can joyful anticipate the trip, feel better physically and mentally and should I say, even a bit smug perhaps that you are so organized ;;)
Have a wonderful time in New Zealand. Everyone that I know that has visited New Zealand raves about this beautiful country and their wonderful people. Best wishes.

Hi Luv,

While I may have voiced LoveItaly's comments about Airborne, she's just added to my post with valuable information that I neglected, and is absolutely spot on about being packed and prepared and not leaving everything go to the last minute.

I do the same exact thing. The bags are packed, by the door, documents in order and in my purse/carry-on and an hour beforehand, they're out at the driveway waiting for the shuttle / limo driver. Okay, I'll admit that I'm somewhat "anal" in that I have a zippered mesh bag with all the travel documents - IN ORDER OF SEQUENCE. And then I rotate them and put them to the back once they're done! What can I say? I've been doing this a long time and I travel alot!

Enjoy you trip and tell us all about it!

Melodie

Melodie,
I do the EXACT same thing with all my documents:)
I even have a vacation checklist on my computer that I print out before each trip and mark off each item as it gets packed.
But I usually do this the day OF the trip, but it does make for a nice organized packing system....I, too consider myself quite "anal":):)
Thanks for the tips!

Hello Melodie, I am smiling over your comment about your zippered meshed bag. The reason is that I received one for a bit of a present for "when I travel". I have not figured out what I would use this mesh bag for. But of course I did keep it as it was a gift.

I just read your post. And the lightbulb went on, LOL. Now I know what this zippered mesh bag is intended for thanks to your post. The things we learn on Fodors, even from half way around the world! Take good care.

Hi y'll

Huby and I find that Airborne works well for us. Before it we picked up colds or infections almost every time we'd fly. Since we've started using Airborne (just before we fly) we have NOT been getting the sniffles. Like Melodie, I;ve tried Zicam but somehow I've not really flipped over it.

Now if I could find something that you would your throat recover after the Red Tide has left our Paradise in Florida I'd be doing great!!

Anyone have any ideas? It really does leave your throat raspy.

Luv,

hehehehe....good to know I'm not the only one! And yes, I have a Packing List that I've developed over the years and send to my clients as well. (for a copy, send $9.95 to P.O. Box...oh nevermind). :)

When I'm using it myself, I print it out, and draw a line through each item with a Sharpie pen.

LoveItaly...glad I could shed some light on how to use your travel gift! Mine's about the size of a legal envelope that I got from one of my wholesalers years ago, and I use it on every trip.

Regards,

Melodie

Bring a sweater in your carry on as the galley area of the plane is very cold as are emergency row seats. Bring vitamins for the trip as you will be eating differently. Bring socks as most U.S. airlines don't give them out anymore during the flight. Avoid eating with your fingers.