The simple truth is that people are considerably more susceptible to cold and flu when traveling on a plane than on the ground. It is especially true for frequent fliers and long flight durations.
Interestingly, it has little to do with the recirculation of aircraft air, as is commonly believed. According to the Journal of Environmental Health Research “reduced resistance to infection from the usual very dry cabin air and fatigue, coupled with the small cabin air space per person, and low outside air replacement rates of newer aircraft, could have contributed to the very high cold transmission rates observed.” [1]
Why is dry cabin air quality a significant factor in us potentially getting sick? It is all about our natural human defense system against colds, the Mucociliary Clearance System, running effectively.
Think of this “Clearance System,” like a pathogen filter. It is run by thin mucus along the nasal passage and moved by our microscopic nasal hairs known as cilia. When the system operates sufficiently, it takes the bacteria encountered through the nasal passage down to the throat. It will then be finally pushed to the stomach to be destroyed by the acid. So when our body is exposed to a very dry environment (reported at best 15% to low 5% humidity level), such as airplanes, our mucus gets too thick for our cilia to effectively move this airborne junk out of our system. This therefore means our ability to resist infections, is greatly compromised.[2]
Another problem discussed in research, is the health risk created by enclosed air cabin space. This is caused by the lack of personal space on a flight and sitting next to sick or other immune challenged passengers, who are breathing, coughing or sneezing next to each other. This further increases the risk for transmission of viral infections.[3]
So what can we do? There are various strategies we can employ to prevent colds but it depends on you being more proactive before, during and after your flight.
Common Sense Practices to Protect Your System while flying:
- Proper hydration ought to be at the top of your list for our bodies ability to fight off infections! Unfortunately, most of us are already chronically dehydrated. Drink 8 ounces of water per hour in-flight. Coffee and alcohol cause you further dehydration!
- Remove your contact lenses for protection and hydration of the eyes.
- Get plenty of rest because fatigue is a contributor to getting sick.
- Keep a warm hat over your head to protect your system from body heat de-regulation.
- Avoid ice cold drinks – it does not support your nasal cilia to function well.
- Drink hot liquids such as respiratory enhancing herbal teas. Bring these tea bags with you or just a lemon and ask a flight attendant for hot water.
- Also, obviously wash your hands in-flight before meals.
Holistic cold/flu supportive methods:
- Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Water – by far ACV is reported to be a popular and effective nasal health remedy. This can be great to combine with your in-flight hydration strategy. It specifically helps to keep your mucous thin. Consider bringing 4 ounces in a container for your in-flight health support. [4]
- Saline Rinse Solutions using a “Neti Pot” and/or Natural Nasal Spray. Effective natural nasal spray usually consists of ionized water, xylitol, salt, and perhaps added essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, spearmint, or tea tree).
- Natural Nasal gels (free of preservatives & must be water soluble)
- Gargling with Hydrogen Peroxide and Sea Salt.
- Steaming to open nasal passages.
- Taking Grapefruit Seed Extract and Oregano Oil.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Water (Room Temperature):
- Swig Method–2 TBSP of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 4-6 oz of water all at once.
- Sipping Method–1/4 to 1/8 cup ACV in 16 oz of water over a period of time – for a few days until mucus becomes thin and clear.
Hot Garlic/Oregano/ACV Drink:
- 2 garlic cloves.
- 2 drops oregano oil.
- 2 tbs. organic ACV.
- Dash of salt (optional).
- 8oz of water, boil for 5 minutes – drink hot.
Hot Tomato Tea:
- 1 cup V8 juice/tomato juice.
- 1 tsp garlic crushed (use more if you can).
- 1 tsp lemon juice.
- Dash of cayenne pepper (hot sauces also work).
Utilizing Essential Oil (Thieves) — Some Suggestions:
- Use “Thieves” from Young Living, in one drop in eight ounces of water.
- Put a diluted amount of Thieves oil on strategic endocrine system body areas.
- Put a drop in your hands and inhale Thieves or eucalyptus oil.
- When landed, a drop within steamy shower or bath.
- Put a drop on your toothbrush when brushing your teeth.
- Make your own spray solution of purified water & Thieves (or can substitute tea tree oil and lavender for general cleansing and clearing.
- Consider using in-flight and upon landing on the road.
Getting sick on a plane is easier than we think, but it’s often preventable. We must also take the necessary proactive steps to build our immune system in the longer term. If you remember only one thing from this article, make sure your overall body is hydrated and do what you can to keep your nasal passages open. Using one of the above suggestions, should give you a leg up while traveling and keep you healthier when you finally make it to your destination.
Enjoy the Journey!
Melinda London,
Travel Lotus
[1] Journal of Environmental Health Research, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2004
[2] http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/
[3] Journal of Environmental Health Research, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2004
[4] http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies
