Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Protecting Yourself from Germ Season

Guess what, boys and girls. Cold and flu season is here, and that means you’re even more susceptible to getting sick when you travel.

The Centers for Disease Control has found that the highest peak of influenza infections typically occur in February, although December, January, and March all tie for second place.

Increased travel, drier air, higher stress…all those factors contribute to the rise of sickness in winter months.

Don’t worry too much about recirculated air on planes. The filtration systems are actually pretty good. What’s more likely to get you sick is the low humidity on planes, which is why staying hydrated is so crucial.

As for those airplane and airport bathrooms? They’re basically a breeding ground for germs and even e. Coli. While it’s a no-brainer to wash your hands frequently, the faucets aren’t immune to bacteria. So back up your efforts and use antibacterial gel liberally.

And lastly, there are those high-touch areas that most people don’t even consider: airline tray tables, storage bin latches, taxi cab handles, light switches and—one of the worst offenders—hotel remote controls.

Pack those disinfecting wipes and don’t be afraid to use them.

For more information, visit the Health & Fitness archives.

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