Can you feel ill after flying?

You're not alone if you feel as if you're getting sick after flying: Around 20 percent of people on commercial flights develop symptoms of the common cold within one week of travel. Researchers are finally starting to gather and publish more data about the health risks associated with airplane travel.



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The change in atmospheric pressure can mess with our body's defences, leaving our immune system weakened and consequently, we are left feeling rotten. In addition, due to the conditions, germs can hang around for days or even weeks in an airplane, even after previous passengers have departed.

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Not being able to focus or function at your usual level. Stomach problems such as constipation or diarrhea. A general feeling of not being well. Mood changes.

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The cramped conditions and long periods of being less active on a flight can cause pain, stiffness or swelling of your legs. Being less active can lead to slow blood flow in your veins which increases your risk of developing a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVTs most commonly form in the legs.

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When it comes to combatting airplane germs, there are some ways to reduce your chances of getting sick after flying.
  1. Board The Airplane Last. ...
  2. Keep Your Hands As Clean As Possible. ...
  3. Sanitize The Area Where You're Sitting. ...
  4. Give Your System A Boost. ...
  5. Stay As Hydrated As Possible. ...
  6. Keep Oral Hygiene In Mind.


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Planes have a different atmospheric pressure than we are used to, which can cause the nasal passages to dry, leading to symptoms resembling flu.

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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.

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Air is actually less oxygen-dense at higher altitudes. Meaning the higher you go, the less oxygen will be available to you. While you may not consciously notice any trouble breathing, you are likely to feel drained and tired once you land at your destination.

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

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Nerves and tension can cause muscles to tense, resulting in pain following a flight.

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Oxygen. Lower oxygen levels contribute to the fatigue you're feeling. Because plane cabins are pressurized to simulate a 6,000-8,000 feet elevation, your blood absorbs less oxygen at those altitudes. This can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and a lack of mental sharpness.

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Disembarkment syndrome is a neurological condition usually occurring after a cruise, aircraft flight, or other sustained motion event. The phrase “mal de débarquement” is French and translates to “illness of disembarkation”.

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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.

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Fever and body aches usually last for 3 to 5 days, but cough and fatigue may last for 2 weeks or more.

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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.

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In general, post-vacation blues will wear off over time. It usually takes a few days, but in extreme cases, the mood can last for several weeks before wearing off.

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Some studies suggest that the cabin pressure changes in the airplane, which are more pronounced during takeoff and landing, affects the head and sinuses in a way that triggers a headache. Another possible explanation for AHs is a fear of flying, which can cause stress and anxiety and subsequently trigger a headache.

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