I always make sure I have a current flu shot before I travel.

Handwashing can prevent many illnesses.

I also travel with my medical kit: any OTC medications I might need (Benadryl and Sudafed, Tylenol, an anti-diarrheal, saline nasal spray). I carry some cough drops and may use them on the plane if my throat becomes irritated from the dry air.

I do carry a short course of antibiotics with me in case of a bacterial infection. I rarely use them, but have been grateful for them several times over my years of travel.

I also make sure I have any recommended vaccines for the areas I am traveling to (such as hepatitis, typhoid) and take anti-malarial meds if indicated.

We too carry Z pacs with us for emergency. I have a little bag that has a little bit of everything in it for a variety of illnesses.

I suggest that BESIDES "wiping down everything" you also wash your hands frequently.

After becoming extremely sick several times after flying ( 104 temp etc) I started wiping down everything in my seating area: tray, tv, armrest, anything wipe able. I then use saline nasal spray and hand sanitizer. I continue using the nasal spray throughout the flight. At first I felt a little embarrassed but now I just grab my 'sanitizer' bag and start wiping immediately upon sitting while everyone else is boarding. I don't care what I look like anymore! It has worked wonderfully...haven't become ill from the flight. I did get a little cold during our last trip for which I took Airborne twice a day for several days...it nipped it in the bud right away.

Airborne works for me. Also Mentholatum (lavender) on my nostrils. Almost always end up being seated next to someone coughing and sneezing non stop.

Burt's Bee res Q ointment up my nostrils helps and if someone is farting it really helps. I also buy drip drops from amazon and put in a bottle of water and drink for hydration. It is like getting intravenous fluids. Great if you have been drinking a lot also. I take a mask just in case someone is sick. I had a person throwing up one trip and after getting up three times for her I asked FA if I could move. She never came back though. Think she just sat next to the loo rest of flight. YUK. I have the wipes and clean everything. I use to see some very disturbing stuff working at an airport so know those seats are nasty. The tray tables and the pocket that stores the magazines. I get the flu shot and need a pneumonia booster. I got sick in Ireland last trip. It was hay fever that went into a sinus infection quick. I take drugs but this was crazy. My husband was the same and it took us a month to get well. I am reading all your tips. I would like to know how you get a z pack? Our doctors won't give antibiotics anymore.

Great thread, good ideas.

I need further help. Which pack of wipes do you buy to use on planes? Need some small handy pack that fits easily in purse, thus like to get recommendation.

Also, how do you all carry your little medications? I usually just use a ziplock bag. But thought, maybe some of you seasoned travelers have some unique, wonderful way to carry little pills, cough drops etc.

The purse, usually has so many other things while traveling, I am always trying to put less stuff in it, but medicines etc. are essential, thus need to make room.

Keep sharing good ideas, we can all learn as we all enjoy traveling so much. Good health adds to all the fun on the trips.
Everyone ready to fly soon, have a safe and fun-filled trip and remain healthy.

Which pack of wipes do you buy to use on planes? Need some small handy pack that fits easily in purse, thus like to get recommendation.

Packs of 20 anti-bacterial Wet Ones can be found in the travel section near the pharmacy at Walmart and Target for about a buck.

I carry my medications in seven day pill boxes (found at any pharmacy or discount store). I can fit 3-4 weeks of each tablet into a single M, T, W...compartment because they're small. I don't take my calcium when I travel because the capsules take up too much space and I just can't be bothered.

I carry other meds in the small zip top bags you can find in Hobby Lobby or the pharmacy and just hand label them. They easily slip into a pocket in my purse.

I know many people are paranoid about traveling with meds not in their original prescription containers, but I'm not one of them.

ileen, I just save up the freebies like you get from a deli with a sandwich. They are individual one-use packets.Mine are just "Wet Naps" not antibacterial.

I just use various small containers - like a fancy face cream sample would come in - for my pills, earrings, safety pins, etc.

I too use the Antibacterial Wet Ones in the red pack. Small enough to fit in my purse. That way I always can wipe my hands at any time without needing to find water. I usually throw a second pack in my suitcase just in case. Very small..takes up no room.

I mentioned this on another post. I am someone who wipes down anything my hands would touch on a plane. I've noticed when I don't, I get sick. I wipe down windows, shades, monitors, arm rests, trays and the headrest. Also always wash your hands after going through security. Studies have shown the security bins are the dirtiest things in an airport. Stay hydrated and vitamin C doesn't hurt either.

Good tip about using hand sanitizer after going through security...will remember that!

I have a list started with all the tips, so I don't forget them. Good one about the bins going through security, will surely add that one to the list.

Actually, I read recently (maybe Conde Nast) that while the bins bad, they aren't the worst. That would be the check-in screens. In fact, all the screens that are becoming ubiquitous are probably terrible germ traps. I try to use the back of a finger as I am less likely to use that to touch my face. (No, I am not paranoid, I take medication that suppresses my immune system and have to be extra careful.)

Best touch instrument for the germ avoider: A Knuckle of the non-dominant hand.

Yes, I do use a knuckle. Plus I now carry hand sanitizer at home as well as when traveling. I do find the proliferation of screens annoying. and I still refuse to actually sign my name, so my signature can be captured and potentially hacked. I just scrawl, and it is always accepted!

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