While many people believe that recirculated, germy air is the main culprit of illness after a plane ride, the real reason why flying can cause us to get sick is from low humidity.
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Being confined for an extended length of time in a plane can be a risk factor as everyone is crowded together making it easier for infections to circulate. Planes also have very little humidity and the dry air can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat.
There are a number of effects altitude and airplane travel have on the body, including oxygen deprivation, alteration of sleep patterns, and an increased risk of contracting contagious diseases.
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder, but not temporary enough for many travelers. If you're flying from San Francisco to Rome for a 10-day trip, for example, it may take six to nine days to fully recover. That's because it can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to adjust to the local time.
The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities. This, in addition to being confined in a small area with little airflow, makes it hard to avoid getting sinusitis from another sick passenger.
Disembarkment syndrome is a medical condition that may occur following a sustained motion event like an aircraft flight or cruise. It is a neurological condition that is normally diagnosed by a neurologist when the sufferer reports a persistent swaying, rocking, or bobbing sensation.
The reality is that there isn't much that can be done to counteract motion sickness when first learning to fly. Like almost every new sensation, the body will adapt over time and identify the feelings associated with flying small planes as normal.
After a flight, two great ways to relax and support your body are to dry brush and take an Epsom salt bath. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system which aids in detoxification, and an Epsom salt bath (especially when mixed when baking soda) aids in muscle aches, inflammation, and radiation detoxification.
How come? “The pressure, temperature and oxygen levels in the cabin fluctuate, and the humidity level is lower than it is at sea level,” says Matthew Goldman, MD. All of those things can mess with some of your body's normal functions.
Simply being outside is ideal for clearing your head after being trapped on a plane, says Sebastien Maingourd, regional manager of Le Barthélemy Hotel and Spa in the French West Indies. He tells guests to take a walk or quick swim to feel rejuvenated. Refuel with something satisfying or healthy.