V-Flyer

Morning everyone,

More often then not I end up with a cold/sore throat etc. after I fly medium/long haul. Came back from NY recently and within a day or so got tonsillitis!!! I am not a sickly person, as being self employed I cant afford to be - but I tend to be susceptible to germs when I fly.[:$]

Does anyone have any remedies or suggestions to avoiding picking something up? I have my 23.5 hour flight coming up and I have just got over a really annoying chest infection (dealing with the public doesn't help!) I dont want it back!

Thx[?]

I suffered the same last week, but this time it cleared quite quickly.

I always take Vitamin C in tablet form before hand for a week or so, and ensure I get a good diet while i am away.
Combined with plenty of fluids, this normally works for me.

A colleague swears by a product called Airborne, although I think recent reports indicate it's claims were unfounded.

Mark

As Mark mentioned, drink plenty of water starting a few days before your due to fly and also whilst travelling to keep you hydrated.

Some of the usual symptoms you get after flying are often just down to you becoming dehydrated.

Also try and get plenty of rest/sleep a few days before you travel as well.

Regards

Ermmm forgive me for being old fashioned but take a cylindrical tube, place over 400 people in it some of whom may be harbouring airborne transmitted bugs such as Influenza, Streptococcal Pharyngitis,Meningococcal Meningitis, Tuberculosis, Chicken Pox and Small Pox. Recirculate the air supply and the chances of infection by one or more of the above pathogens are pretty good!

My suggestion to avoid infection? Don't really know its in the lap of the gods really![}:)]

Regards
Bryan

Thanks, for your comments!

I know all that recycled air is really gross, but if I can reduce the risk that would be handy alright!

Thx

It may indeed be placebo affect but 50+ segments in 12 months and no sniffles - Airborne every flight.

I take Echinacea supplements when I feel the start of a cold or anything, they are a natural supplement that helps boost the immune system.

Posted - 25/10/2008 : 13:05:21
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I take Echinacea supplements when I feel the start of a cold or anything, they are a natural supplement that helps boost the immune system.

Thanks for that, will pop to the health shop and see what they say!

I was in a terrible state with 'flu one Xmas flying to Oz, but you arrive, sun shining, beaches beckoning and it's amazing how quickly you recover. Positive thinking and water throughout the flight is my advice.

Zicam, Zicam, Zicam.

I used to pick up a something every time I flew. Then started swabbing my nose and taking the throat spray along with a lozenge. I went years without a problem. Then this last trip in September, I was in a hurry forgetting to do the routine and BANG. Picked up a cold. For me the only drawback is I loose some taste sensation, but with airline food that's a plus!

Teatree oil rubbed inside your nostrils and toped up at least once in flight can make a very big difference and also drink plenty of water. I use it every time I fly even on short haul flights and have never had a bug or sore throat following a flight since I have been using it.

Jerseyboy

this might sound odd but on the narita flights its not unusual to see japanese customers wearing surgical type masks to keep the 'germs ' away plus out of respect for their fellow passengers they dont want to give them their cold/ flu etc

Vaseline or other such stuff under your nose - has been rumored before , personally never tried it but apparently helps?

Thanks for all the tips, I am probably being a bit paranoid, but there's no harm in being prepared!

It's the journey home I am most concerned about, having taken 3 weeks off work, I can't afford to be sick when I come back, so I will try out some of the suggestions and fingers crossed I will be fit and well when I arrive back. [:D]

I find alcohol helps. After all, it kills germs.... [:w]

Seriously though, I also use one of those alcohol based hand washes on-board rather than the dubious water supply in the bathrooms. Hands always feel cleaner too.

Thanks Darren, yes, red wine and champagne are good friends of mine![}:)]

I see the clock hasn't been changed here yet, either that or it's me!

No it hasn't. I believe it's due to a combination of Server Time and Pete making a tweak.

As for Tea Tree Oil. It should only be used diluted as neat can cause blistering.

IIRC the server is in America and they haven't changed their time yet. It will be like this till they do. [:(!]

Great thanks,. will give it a go, along with your other suggestion[;)] provding they don't run out after take off!

I haven't tried them myself, but this product is supposed to help you avoid picking up germs inflight:

http://www.nozin.com/ (it's a nasal swab)

I am not certain of it's availability in the UK, however.

Originally posted by Jacki
I was in a terrible state with 'flu one Xmas flying to Oz, but you arrive, sun shining, beaches beckoning and it's amazing how quickly you recover. Positive thinking and water throughout the flight is my advice.

I doubt you had flu if a bit of sun and a beach cleared it up quickly, more like a bad cold?

Could be a weaker form of man-flu. I find beer or any alcohol helps there.

Originally posted by daywalker

Originally posted by Jacki
I was in a terrible state with 'flu one Xmas flying to Oz, but you arrive, sun shining, beaches beckoning and it's amazing how quickly you recover. Positive thinking and water throughout the flight is my advice.

I doubt you had flu if a bit of sun and a beach cleared it up quickly, more like a bad cold?

I've only had 'flu twice in my life (believe me this was one of them) and like you think the word is very overused. I was just making the point that I prefer to concentrate positively on where I am going than the fact I may arrive ill. Having said that, the alcohol tip is very sensible!

Albus oil! and drink lots of water.

I too got a terrible cold on the way to MCO in early Oct. I felt grotty for 6 or 7 days into the holiday which was extremly annoying. I think I will take Airborne next time.