Going to see the in-laws for Christmas may seem like torture enough, but getting sick along the way could really put the kibosh on holiday glee.
Some 37 million people travelled for the Thanksgiving weekend, and the average number of Americans in the air will nearly double during the week of Christmas. That’s a lot of germs.
To keep yourself and your family safe on flights this holiday season, remember mom’s advice and wash your hands.
“With the turnover in flights, hundreds of people touch those surfaces all day long,” said Dr. Peter Coelho, a family physician in Hollister. “Viruses can be spread from those arm rests or those seats to you, so always bring hand wipes. Wash your hands before eating anything in public.
“I never get sick from the illnesses that come in my office because I wash my hands before and after I see each patient. I only get sick from what my kids bring home because my guard is down and I don’t wash my hands every time I play with them.”
Keep prescription medications as well as over the counter items like Tylenol and antihistamines with you on the plane, advised Dr. Nimisha Shah, an internal medicine specialist in Morgan Hill.
Luggage isn’t guaranteed to arrive with the plane, especially in the frantic atmosphere of the holiday rush, so packing a carry-on with medication and a few essentials is always a good idea.
“Make sure you have appropriate clothing (for both ends of the trip),” said Shah. “Check the weather ahead of time because it may be much colder or warmer than here.”
Women who are pregnant, or taking birth control or hormone replacement treatments are at increased risk for blood clots, so Coelho recommends a stretch and quick walk each hour and a half for those on long drives or flights. Anyone on a flight of more than three hours also needs to follow this advice. And if you’re going to be in the air for eight or more hours, increase the frequency to once an hour.
If you’re traveling outside the country, Shah recommends a little bit of education.
“Find out what kinds of infectious diseases are most prevalent there and have the appropriate vaccines before you go,” she said. “Update any that have lapsed as well.”
After that, enjoy the food … but also remember that antacids increase your risk for food poisoning.
“If you’re going to be eating in questionable places, you may want to consider skipping your antacid for that day,” said Coelho. “And if your turkey is pink, it’s maybe better to go for the mashed potatoes.”
Hello Aunt Mabel. See you later, Prilosec.
