If you find yourself feeling sick when you return from a trip, you’re not alone. According to Weill Cornell Medicine, up to 80 percent of travelers fall ill after a vacation. The report states that, in most cases, the symptoms are caused by mild viruses, often attributed to weakened immune systems, poor hygiene, and air travel.
It’s easy to see why air travel made the list. From the moment you step into the airport, you’re coming into close contact with other travelers in security lines, and usually sit even closer once you board the plane. Then there are all the dirty shared surfaces. According to a study, the airplane tray table is even filthier than the bathroom, and don’t let us get started on the seatbelts.
This is why we were excited to see flight attendants discussing their best tips and tricks for staying healthy on Reddit. Flight attendants travel for a living, so naturally, they have good advice. This is what they had to say.
Use disinfectant wipes
Air travel passenger wiping airplane seat arm rest with anti-bacterial wet wipes for hygiene reasons
(ThamKC via Getty Images)
One flight attendant said, My tip is to wipe everything down and use hand sanitizer or wash your hands frequently.”
Another said, “I wipe down my entire phone, seat, everything in my galley.”
This isn’t the first time flight attendants have talked about the importance of using disinfectant wipes. Flight attendants have long advocated for wiping down high-touch surfaces on social media. The Centers for Disease Control agree with this advice and advise cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly, especially if someone might be sick.
Stay hydrated
A young woman drinks water during a plane flight
(mihailomilovanovic via Getty Images)
Hydration is always important, but this is especially true on airplanes. Approximately 50% of the air in a plane’s cabin is pulled from outside. At high altitudes, the humidity outside is almost zero. Inside the cabin, they are closer to 10%-20%. That’s less than most deserts.
It’s understandable then that the need for hydration was a recurring theme in the thread. One flight attendant said, “Drink, drink, drink water during the flight.”
Other comments included, “Hydrating! Half your body weight in oz.., daily at a minimum.”
Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, among other symptoms. So, take the flight attendants’ advice and stay hydrated while traveling.
Boost your immune system
Flight attendants recommend Vitamin C
(szakalikus via Getty Images)
As previously mentioned, Weill Cornell Medicine says that weakened immune systems can lead to illness when we travel. Fortunately, the flight attendants shared plenty of tips and tricks for boosting our defenses.
“Drink vitamin C + zinc daily, stay hydrated, eat well-balanced meals, and wash your hands regularly.”
“Supplement with zinc, vit D, K, C, and echineaca.”
“I keep Emergen-C or Airborne in my bag 24/7 and take it occasionally. If I feel even a tinge in my throat or sinuses, I immediately start a daily regimen of taking it.”
Wash your hands and avoid touching your face
Don’t touch your face with dirty hands
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Flight attendants say, “Don’t touch your ears, eyes, or nose during the day.”
“It’s amazing how often I see folks touching their nose, eating with their hands, etc. Wash your damn hands! Planes are dirty.”
The CDC says that many diseases can be prevented by washing your hands with soap and clean running water. The organization also stresses that you shouldn’t touch your face with unwashed hands. It’s clear that flight attendants agree.
If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer instead.
Get plenty of rest
A young woman in casual attire sitting in an airport lounge with a suitcase and headphones, relaxing during travel.
(Deagreez via Getty Images)
According to the Mayo Clinic, a lack of sleep can weaken our immune system. Flight attendants know this and stress the importance of rest, making comments like, “Getting proper sleep and hydrating.”
“It’s not always easy, but getting enough sleep is crucial.”
“Sleep and exercise.”
Head to Reddit to read the entire thread here.