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The answer is simple.. DON’T.
Unless, your trip is inevitable and can’t be postponed, then I suppose you can still fly. In my instance, I have no other choice because it’s what I do for a living.
This blog is going to be a little different because when I first started writing it, I was semi-healthy, but then I spoke (or wrote) too soon. Just when I thought I was going to beat the flu season, all it took was one passenger to cough or sneeze around me as I handed them their drink. But what can you do? You’re on a germ tube that recycles oxygen, so your best bet is to take care of yourself as much as you can on the ground prior to flying.
A few things you guys can do before taking a flight is upping your immune system. I learned from this flu season because in my 4 years of flying, I never really took any precautions. NOW, my travel bag won’t leave the house without:
Elderberry
This is an antioxidant fruit that can be taken in many forms. They sell this stuff in tea bag forms, syrup, gummies, or shots from Pressed Juicery. Elderberry seems to have activity against viruses including the flu, and might even reduce inflammation. I don’t know why it took until 2019 for me to hear of this miracle stuff because apparently it’s been around for decades, but now that I know, it will never leave my kitchen medicine cabinet (and travel bag).
Silver Spray
This was actually recommended to me by a flight attendant a few years ago and then, recently, a friend on Facebook suggested it to me. Right away, I went on Amazon and ordered it. (Thank you Jeff Bezos!) Not much to say about silver spray besides that it’s supposed to offer extra immune support. I used this on my boyfriend every day when he caught the flu, and I swear his sickness was gone in less than three days. I would spray this underneath his tongue, 10-30 sprays, then have him hold it there for thirty seconds before swallowing. At only $12.99, this won’t break the bank and is small/portable enough to travel with. Sovereign Silver Spray
Zinc tablets
I know what you’re thinking, at this point, after taking elderberry and silver spray, I should have an immune system equivalent to that of Super Man, right? But when you work on a plane and are exposed to so many different germs, I mean people, you aren’t superhuman. Something as little as touching your mouth with your hand can infect you. Which is why you should be building as much immunity as possible, especially since the flu is ever changing. Zinc tablets are another dietary supplement that can be taken on the daily and boost immunity. And yes, you can have these on your carry on bag.
Sudafed
OH MY GAWD! I wish I could write a sole blog on this stuff. Unfortunately, the cold I caught left me with a horrid sinus infection/congestion and honestly, if you guys ever catch something similar, I recommend you don’t fly without Sudafed! I recommend you take the first dose an hour before flight and repeat it every 4 hours. On one (very fun) flight, I was working with friends and forgot to take my Sudafed.. I have experienced pain, from a colposcopy, numerous tattoos, etc., so you’d think my pain tolerance would be pretty high, but I have NEVER experienced such pain on my aching ear during descent. No matter what I did: yawned, chewed gum, ear plug, I just couldn’t get the pain to stop. It wasn’t until we landed that I thought about going to urgent care just to make sure my eardrum didn’t erupt. Thankfully, it didn’t, but that was the first and only time that I will forget to take Sudafed while flying congested.
Cold Meds
These are pretty self explanatory. It’s just better to be proactive and always keep a pack of these in your travel bag. You just never know.
Tea
I don’t have any specific brand or kind that I like. Sometimes I’ll sip on black lychee tea that I got from China and some times it’ll be matcha green tea that I picked up from that random section of Home Goods (shout out to those who know what I’m talking about, #HomeGoods). Tea is just that one drink that seems to soothe all sicknesses. Even if you’re not sick, and maybe over ate at the dinner buffet, tea is the way to sooth anything, even a full belly.
Reusable Water Bottle
I LOVE when passengers kindly ask me if I mind refilling their water bottles for them! I always let them know that it’s the smartest way to travel. I know I’ve mentioned this in other blogs, but I’d shout it on top of a mountain top if I could. Hydration is important when flying, especially if you have a cold/flu! Trust me, an 8 ounce glass of water that the flight attendant hands you isn’t going to hydrate you enough on that 5-6 hour flight. So go on and get yourself a nice hefty water bottle. I, personally, use a Hydro Flask because it’s so durable and travel friendly. I use these hooks to clip it onto my carry on bag. Make sure it’s empty before you go through security, then walk over to a water fountain and refill before your flight.
The most important tip I can give is to be proactive and focus on your health and well being. Obviously, life happens and we can’t ditch our flights, but we can pack essential items into our carry on bags. Another, obvious, but highly recommended tip is to get some rest. You can intake all the immune boosting vitamins in the world, but if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your body will crash. If I can ensure that I sleep at least 7-8 hours every night with my nomadic schedule, then so can you.
Side note: I used to think it was strange to see people on the plane wearing a mask over their nose and mouths. Now? I feel ever-so-grateful that these people are being selfless and keeping their sickness to themselves. I really wish I could see more people doing this on the plane.
If you guys have read this far, thank you, thank you, thank you. I really hope you guys find these tips helpful and think of me the next time you fly. 😉
xoxo,
Stew
Stew Travels 