Is it common to get sick after traveling?


Is it common to get sick after traveling? From flu-like symptoms to digestive tract upsets, feeling ill post-vacation affects up to 80 percent of returning travelers, says Dr. Ashima Oza, a primary care physician and an instructor in the Division of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.


Can flying give you a sinus infection?

Airplane air, being so dry, works against the natural cleaning of the sinus mucous membranes. 3) Change in biometric pressure. Playing a role in introducing bacteria into the sinus cavities the cabin's change in barometric pressure is also a concern.


Why do I get sick every time I go on vacation?

A weakened immune system “When you travel,” says Dr. Oza, “your usual routines are disrupted. You may not be sleeping as well as you do at home, and your eating habits change when you're away. You may be staying up later, consuming more alcohol and getting less exercise than usual.


What are the symptoms of travel sickness?

Symptoms can range from mild to serious, and can include:
  • dizziness.
  • generally feeling unwell and tired.
  • excessive production of saliva.
  • headache.
  • nausea, vomiting.
  • burping.
  • sweating.


What are the 4 most common travel illnesses?

Common travel-related illnesses include:
  • Diarrheal disease. Most travel-related diarrheal diseases are acquired by consuming contaminated water and food.
  • Hepatitis A. ...
  • Malaria. ...
  • Dengue fever. ...
  • Parasitic infections. ...
  • Tuberculosis. ...
  • Typhoid fever. ...
  • Yellow fever.


What is the most common illness affecting travelers?

Travelers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers. It may occur whiles visiting places with sanitary conditions different from your place of origin. High-risk destinations include Africa, Asia, Mexico, Middle East, and Central and South America.


How long can travel fatigue last?

Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.


How long does it take your body to recover from vacation?

The survey results show that it takes three days to fall back into a regular routine after a week abroad and four days for two weeks off. Jet-lag can cause several restless nights when returning from vacation, and it can take up to two nights to recover a regular sleep schedule.


What is jet belly?

Jet belly: (noun) the bloated state in which your stomach inflates post-flight. Also, a very unpleasant feeling. May also make you look like you're 3 months pregnant. So how does one prevent this jet belly? Well, it all depends on what you eat on the plane.


Does flying affect your immune system?

Low humidity on airplanes
Low humidity can cause the nasal passages to dry out and cause irritation in the nose and throat. On top of that, bacteria and viruses can survive longer in low-humidity environments, making it harder for your body to fight off any infections you might catch aboard a plane.