5 Simple Tips for Staying Flu-Free on Vacation

Wash Your Hands

We're not going to freak you out with images of doorknobs, faucet handles, and armrests covered in writhing germs left by people who coughed or sneezed into their hands. Instead, we'll simply say that washing your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub is one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid getting the flu. It's not going to protect you from airborne germs, but study after study shows that cleaning your hands regularly is effective in reducing transmission of many cold and flu viruses.

Don't Touch Your Face

Your cheek itches, you scratch it. Your eyes feel tired, you rub them. Each of these seemingly innocuous actions is like inviting the germs that lurk on your hands to board an express train into your body. Training yourself to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth may be tough, but it's a simple and free way to reduce your exposure to illness.

Get a Flu Shot

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a flu shot for everyone more than six months old. If you're reading this, that's a demographic that likely includes you. Since vaccines are updated annually, you should get a new flu shot every year. Even if you've already gotten the flu this year, it's still a good idea to get the shot, since it protects against multiple flu viruses. Some airports offer flu shots in their walk-in medical clinics; however, be aware that it takes a flu vaccine two weeks to become effective.

Steer Clear Of Illness

It's an all-too-familiar scenario: You're on a flight and your seatmate is sneezing and coughing in your general direction. If you're seated next to someone who is clearly ill, don't just curse them silently; get up and ask (politely) to be moved to another seat. If another seat isn't available, some experts suggest aiming your air vent slightly in front of your face to try and deflect circulating germs away from you.

Stay Healthy By Starting Healthy

Keep your immune system in fighting shape before traveling by making sure to get good sleep (at least eight hours), eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and reducing stress. This may sound challenging to do in the days leading up to a trip, when you're more likely to be finishing a work project or staying up late packing. But isn't your vacation health worth the extra effort?

Flu.gov has more tips for preventing illness. What are your favorite tips for staying healthy while traveling?

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