Airline carriers are also formidable carriers of the common cold; a recent study says you may be more than 100 times as likely to catch a cold on a plane as in your normal daily rounds, according to a study publishing in the Journal of Environmental Health Research: Common cold transmission in commercial aircraft: ...
The culprit: Low cabin humidityAt 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.
Keep up your fluids — While on a plane drink plenty of fluids, especially water and hot tea to help keep the throat moist or soothe an irritated throat. Before you get to the airport, it might be helpful to gargle with warm salt water or use a specialised sore throat gargle.
PLEASE NOTE: You should avoid flying if your nose is congested from a cold or allergies. In the most severe case, this may lead to a permanent decrease in your hearing, prolonged dizziness, or severe pain.
If you're congested from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, it's important to do what you can to resolve the congestion before you fly. Common treatments for congestion include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.
Try antihistamines: For those with allergy symptoms and air pressure regulation difficulties, medications like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra may be a good option. Antihistamines are often formulated to include decongestants (such as Claritin-D, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec-D).
If you're taking antihistamines, decongestants, or over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it's important to take your medication at least an hour before your flight so it has time to work before your plane takes off.
Some doctors also suggest taking an aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen before a trip to prevent inflammation and to aid circulation by thinning the blood.
If you have nasal congestion, use a nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing. Avoid overuse, however, because nasal sprays taken over three to four days can increase congestion. Use decongestant pills cautiously.
“If you start with a sleep debt, it could make you more prone to jet lag,” Espie says. Being well-rested before you fly will ensure you're fully aware and alert during the travel process, while also allowing yourself a better chance at getting sleep on the plane.