How to Stay Healthy while Flying

Those who travel often know an airplane is a great place to pick up a virus. Recirculated air, cramped quarters, and those tiny airplane bathrooms--it all adds up to one unsanitary environment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hand sanitizer
• Hand wipes
• Bottled water
• Kleenex

1. Before you fly, take a zinc supplement or pop a fortified cough drop.
2. Remember that hundreds of people each week use the airplane you're sitting in.
3. Keep travel-size bottles of hand sanitizer in your carry-on bags. Use it often, especially before you eat or after you use the bathroom.
4. Use hand wipes to wipe down your armrests and tray table.
5. Stay hydrated. Airplane air can dry you out, and a dehydrated person is more susceptible to contracting illness.
6. Use paper towels or tissues to turn handles, press the 'flush' button and turn on the sink.

Tips & Warnings

• Also be aware of any personal items you carry off the plane. These have the potential to harbor germs.