What is with airplanes nowadays? Germs, germs, germs!

13 years ago

It's the second time it's happened: I am perfectly fine before I get on a plane to start my vacation, and I am fine during the vacation. I get on the return plane and within 4 days (my boss pointed this out to me -- she said she could count on it!), I have the start of a cold -- scratchy throat, a bit of stuffiness, my voice "telegraphs" the cold. It happens only on the return trip. But there must be as many germs floating around an airplane on the departure trip! Maybe they're just waiting for "backup germs" to make me suffer...

So now after a miserable month (the cough went on and on) after my last trip back in Feb., I'm hitting up the CVS again for meds. Yuck.

Does anybody here think the Airborne bills work for them? I'm pretty sure I read about some lawsuit against the company for unproven claims...

But it'd sure be nice to take a preventive step next time before I fly. (Other than putting a breathing mask on!)

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Comments (14)

sheilajoyce_gw
13 years ago
1500mgs of vitamin C 3 times a day. That does wonders for me.
dedtired
13 years ago
My brother (and others) take antibacterial wipes onto a plane and wipes every surface around him, especially the arms and tray. He gets cold so easily and never travels by plane that he does not get sick. Also use lots of hand sanitizer while on board. I think those steps will protect you more than Airborne.

When I feel a cold starting I use my neti pot, take zinc and C.
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LuAnn_in_PA
13 years ago
A friend gets sick EVERY time he flies.
I have NEVER gotten sick.

I don't have any idea why that is....
joyfulguy
13 years ago
In the midst of the darkness ... it seems to me that I see one candle flickering.

At least ... you didn't get it on th outbound flight, to partially spoil your holiday.

And did I hear correctly that it's happened more than once?: double cause for (if slight) thankfulness?

ole joyful
User
13 years ago
Five friends went to Europe/Africa in the past month and everyone of them got sick.
Fun2BHere
13 years ago
I used to get sick a few days after I flew. I started washing my hands at the airport before I boarded and after I deplaned, skipping any food or beverage service, and never, ever touching my face until I could wash my hands. The last few times I've flown, I've avoided getting sick...knock on wood.
clubm
13 years ago
When my friend flies she always wears a mask that covers her nose
N mouth. She has a auto immune disease .
liz
13 years ago
I feel your pain...two weeks ago I did too all nighters too the west coast...the last one coming home on a Saturday morning...we had all kinds of sick, hacking, coughing people...I couldn't wash my hands ENOUGH...sure enough...by memorial day I was feeling it coming on...I stayed on the couch for about 3 days...cold chills...fever..i groaned I ached so bad...

After almost 36 years of skyhagging...I can tell you It's a dirty enviroment...I'm surprised I'm not sick more...but I'm really religious about not touching my face and I probably wash my hands about 17-20 times during the course of a four hour flight...i know...sounds alot doesn't it...but you can't be too careful!! I also think I've built up a pretty strong immune system because of it!!

I'd try the airborne..and wiping down the seats and armrests and maybe a mask if you want to take it that far!! Also be sure to drink lots of water!! There's something to be said for keeping yourself hydrated!!
carol_in_california
13 years ago
I haven't tried Airborne but I have used Zicam oral lozenges with success.
Keep your hands away from your eyes helps, too.
Stay hydrated, avoid alcoholic beverages and eat healthy meals.
Can't hurt.....might help.
I have a trip coming up to NYC....so I will follow my advice.
glenda_al
13 years ago
A believer in Airborne. I generally start couple days before flying and take them. Plus returning home I take the night before and morning of. Been doing that for a number of years.

GS balks but he takes them as well, the two times we went on trips together.
chloecat
13 years ago
I fly two or three times a month for work. I never get sick.

I also NEVER touch my face while on the plane, and I always wash my hands as soon as I deplane and get to the restroom in the airport.
Georgysmom
13 years ago
I'm with Sheilajoyce. I take 1000 mg of vitamin C twice a day, every day. If I come in contact with someone who has a cold, I up it for a few days. Also up it if I feel one coming on. I haven't had a cold in a number of years. Before I started this regime, I was getting one every year, and always wound up having to go to the dr. for medication after a week or two. I swear by Vitamin C.
pudgeder
13 years ago
The biggest problem on airplanes is air quality.
The air is recirculated, mixed w/50% fresh air and then pumped back in. It's also very dry.
You're in close quarters with people who could be sick, sneezing and/or coughing, much closer than you'd normally be, and you're exposed to more germs.

One way to combat is to keep hydrated before, during and after the flights. And avoid carbonated & caffeinated beverages.

Hope you feel better soon!
Tally
13 years ago
Hardly surprising. Richard Preston predicted in 1995 that air travel would be a main contributor to the spread of disease. The Hot Zone is a truly scary book, and is proving a lot of his hypotheses were dead on.

Any public transportation has the ability to transfer millions of germs.

Yes, Airborne was sued for false advertising and paid out a settlement in 2008. It used to advertise itself as a cold preventative, now it calls itself an immune booster. Paid out $23 million in a class action suit.

Here is a link that might be useful: Airborne Lawsuit

What is with airplanes nowadays? Germs, germs, germs!

Comments (14)

sheilajoyce_gw

dedtired

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