3 Tips for Staying Healthy While Traveling During Cold and Flu Season
While traveling in and of itself can be stressful and draining, traveling with a cold or the flu can make things even worse. And even if you didn’t have a cold or the flu when you left on your travels, the act of traveling can often lead to someone getting sick. So especially when it’s cold and flu season, it’s important that you know ways to protect yourself and others from spreading too many germs. To help with this, here are three tips for staying healthy while traveling during cold and flu season.
Get The Flu Vaccine At the Right Time
By getting the flu vaccine, you can help increase your chances of not catching the flu. Even if you do end up getting the flu, the flu vaccine can help to make the effects of it not as intense. But to truly get the most benefit of getting the flu vaccine to help keep you healthy while traveling, Kathleen Rellihan, a contributor to the Travel Channel, recommends getting it done at least a week or two before you leave. By getting it this early, you give your body the time it needs to build up the immunity for the specific strains of the flu that have been chosen for that given year.
Fight Germs In Public Spaces
When spaces have a high number of people coming through them, they’re often a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. And while you may be careful to wash your hands each time you use the bathroom or before you eat food, others around you may not be so conscientious. So to ensure you’re keeping the germs at bay while in public spaces, like the airport, Lacie Glover, a contributor to Fox News, recommends keeping hand sanitizer with at least 50 percent alcohol on you that you can use after touching something that’s frequently touched by others. Also, consider bringing disinfecting wipes to clean off anything you’ll have to use, and try to steer clear of anyone you see coughing or sneezing.
Boost Your Immune System
Arguably the best thing you can do to help your body stay healthy is to boost your own immune system. When you have a healthy and active immune system, your body can take care of a lot of germs itself without causing you to get too sick. According to Andrea Sarjeant, a contributor to the Huffington Post, taking supplements of vitamin D, vitamin C, and a solid probiotic will help give your immune system the extra boost it needs to help you naturally fight off illnesses that could otherwise befall you while traveling during cold and flu season.
If you’re worried about your upcoming travel plans and how you’ll stay healthy during these times, use the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.