With the outbreak of various viruses and diseases in recent years, the importance of maintaining proper hygiene while travelling has gained significant attention.

Air travel, in particular, can be risky due to the close proximity of passengers and recycled air. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and avoid catching a virus on an airplane.

1. Choose Your Seat Wisely

Avoid sitting near passengers who are visibly ill or who have a cough or runny nose. Try to choose a seat away from the galley or bathroom. These areas are high-traffic zones and typically have more germs.

2. Keep Your Hands Clean

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Use a disinfectant wipe to clean your tray table, armrest, and seatbelt buckle before using them, as these are high-touch surfaces that can harbor germs.

3. Wear a Mask

Consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from airborne particles. If you have a weakened immune system or are travelling to an area with a high risk of infection, it’s recommended to wear a mask to reduce the risk of exposure.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Staying hydrated helps to keep your mucous membranes moist, which can reduce the risk of infection.

5. Avoid Touching Your Face

Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is how viruses can enter your body. If you need to touch your face, wash your hands first or use hand sanitizer.

6. Understand Airplane Airflow

Most airplanes have a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter system, which filters out more than 99% of airborne particles.

The airflow in an airplane is generally from top to bottom, which means that if you’re sitting next to someone who is sick, the risk of infection is lower.

7. Boost Your Immune System

Eat a balanced diet and take immune-boosting supplements before your trip. Vitamin C, for example, can help to bolster your immune system and reduce the risk of infection.

8. Consider Traveling During Off-Peak Hours

If possible, try to avoid travelling during peak hours when the airport and airplane are more crowded. This can help to reduce your exposure to germs and the risk of infection.

9. Stay Home if You’re Sick

If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to stay home and avoid travelling. Not only will this help to reduce the risk of infecting others, but it can also help to protect your own immune system by allowing it to rest and recover.

10. Be Prepared for the Worst

In case you do catch a virus while travelling, it’s important to be prepared. Pack a travel-sized first aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, cough medicine, and throat lozenges.

This can help to alleviate symptoms and make you feel more comfortable during your trip.

Travelling by airplane doesn’t have to be a risky affair, as long as you take the necessary precautions to protect your health.

By choosing your seat wisely, keeping your hands clean, and following the rest of these tips, you can reduce your risk of catching a virus and stay healthy on your next trip.