Now that the pandemic is slowing down and the vaccine distribution is open to everyone, it’s once again safe to travel. However, it’s likely that there will be a large influx of people itching to get out of their homes, so you’ll still need to protect yourself from getting sick!
COVID Restrictions
CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated, because travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow these tips.
During Travel
Wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not traveling with you.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
After Travel
Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms. Some states may require self-quarantining, though each state and country has different jurisdiction. If you are fully vaccinated, this should not be a concern.
If you’re concerned about travel sickness, check out our blog here.
Protect Yourself From the Cold and Flu
COVID isn’t the only thing that you should be aware of when traveling. It’s quite common to come down with a minor cold or flu after being on a plane or in different airports. There are two other factors that can impact your health during air travel as well.
Low Humidity In The Cabin Can Hurt Your Throat
The low levels of humidity in a plane can dry out your throat, eyes, nose, and skin, and can leave you feeling dehydrated. It can cause scratchy throat, red and irritated eyes, sinus headaches, or normal headaches. This makes your body more susceptible to illness.
The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that homes be kept at around 30% to 50% humidity to keep you feeling your best. To compare, the average humidity level in an airplane’s cabin is around 20%.
Dehydration
The low humidity levels in a plane can lead to dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body is losing more fluids than it is taking in.
When you’re dehydrated, you can feel fatigued, dizzy, or confused. It’s combated by drinking fluids or consuming foods high in fluids such as fruits and vegetables. So don’t skip on the drink and snack service if it’s provided!
Dirty Tray Tables And Surfaces
Sanitation protocols are stricter than they ever had been, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be wary of tray tables, arm rests, and other surfaces.
Other surfaces to avoid direct contact with include the toilet’s flush button and the overhead air vent.
We recommend bringing hand sanitizer and sanitary wipes onto the plane to wipe down the tray table before the plane takes off. Also wipe down the headrest and armrests before you touch them, if possible.
Jet Lag Feels Like an Illness
Jet lag is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones. It happens when your body’s internal clock is disrupted by irregular sleep and eating patterns. It also affects those who travel from Arizona into neighboring states due to daylight saving time.
Though not an illness, jet lag can cause fatigue, stomach problems, a general feeling of not being well, mood changes, and more.
It can be prevented by getting rest prior to your trip, staying hydrated (dehydration can make jet lag symptoms worse!), sticking to your new schedule consistently, and sleeping on the plane if it’s an overnight trip.
At IV Revival, we offer a couple of treatments that can help boost your immune system or optimize your health before a flight. Our Revive treatment includes a 1 liter of pH balanced fluid, electrolytes, B-complex and B-12. The Renew treatment includes 1 liter of pH balanced fluids and electrolytes, a Myer’s cocktail and is finished with a glutathione push.
B-complex and B-12 fight fatigue, promote a healthy immune system, and help regulate your metabolism.
Vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc, which are found in the Myer’s cocktail or can be added to any treatment, all shorten the duration of illnesses while helping protect your body from getting sick.
The 1 liter of pH balanced fluids with electrolytes will help keep your body hydrated so you won’t have to worry about a dry throat or nose during your flight. Staying hydrated is also one of the key factors in staying healthy.
Give us a call and we’ll come to you! You won’t need to worry about running around town or halting your pre-flight (or post-flight) activities for long. Our nurses will come right to your door, no matter where you are. So book an appointment today!