Is it easier to get sick when Travelling?

Is it easier to get sick when Travelling? When we travel our bodies endure a lot of stress, says Gretchen Genato, a nurse practitioner at Cedars-Sinai's Playa Vista Urgent Care. Stress can decrease your immune system, making you susceptible to illness. We asked Gretchen to give us some tips on staying healthy while traveling.

Are colds common when traveling?

When you're traveling, it's likely you'll come into contact with many different people, areas, and surfaces. As we mentioned earlier, your immune system may already be weakened from the effects of traveling, making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.

Are you more likely to get sick while traveling?

You may be staying up later, consuming more alcohol and getting less exercise than usual. You're also more likely to be in crowded places for prolonged periods, interacting with a more diverse population than you're used to.” All of these factors can weaken your immune system and set the stage for getting sick.

Does traveling affect your health?

Travel can be a relaxing escape, but it can also be stressful and affect your mental health. Travel-related stress can spark mood changes, depression, and anxiety. Travel can worsen symptoms in people with existing mental illness.

Why do I get a cold every time I fly?

The culprit: Low cabin humidity At very low levels of humidity, the natural defense system of mucus in our noses and throats dries up and is crippled, creating a much more tolerant environment for germs to infect us.

What is the most common travel sickness?

According to the World Health Organization and the CDC, the following are some of the most common health problems associated with travel to developing countries: Traveler's diarrhea (by far the most common risk since it affects up to 80% of international travelers based on the destination) Enterotoxic E. coli diarrhea.

What is the best immune booster for flying?

What to do if you get sick while traveling in Europe?

In most countries, you can call 112, the European Union's universal emergency number for ambulance, fire department, or police. Most countries also have a 911 equivalent that works as well. Or you can ask your hotelier, restaurant host, or whoever's around to call an ambulance (or a taxi for less dire situations).

Why do I get a sore throat after flying?

Planes also have very little humidity and the dry air can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat.

Should you shower after flying?

If you don't shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space—particularly your bed.

Does flying affect your immune system?