Is it common to catch a cold while Travelling?

When you're traveling, it's likely you'll come into contact with many different people, areas, and surfaces. As we mentioned earlier, your immune system may already be weakened from the effects of traveling, making you more susceptible to bacteria and viruses.



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Many journal articles and reference books related to travel medicine cite that between 22–64% of international travellers become ill during or after travel; however, this information is minimal, outdated and limited by poor generalizability.

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Low humidity on airplanes
Low humidity can cause the nasal passages to dry out and cause irritation in the nose and throat. On top of that, bacteria and viruses can survive longer in low-humidity environments, making it harder for your body to fight off any infections you might catch aboard a plane.

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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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Common travel-related illnesses include:
  • Diarrheal disease. Most travel-related diarrheal diseases are acquired by consuming contaminated water and food.
  • Hepatitis A. ...
  • Malaria. ...
  • Dengue fever. ...
  • Parasitic infections. ...
  • Tuberculosis. ...
  • Typhoid fever. ...
  • Yellow fever.


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A weakened immune system “When you travel,” says Dr. Oza, “your usual routines are disrupted. You may not be sleeping as well as you do at home, and your eating habits change when you're away. You may be staying up later, consuming more alcohol and getting less exercise than usual.

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Top Tips To Avoid Getting Sick When You Travel
  1. Visit your doctor or a travel clinic. Vaccines can be a powerful tool to help you combat risks in new destinations. ...
  2. Boost your immune system. ...
  3. Pack a medical kit. ...
  4. Drink filtered or bottled water. ...
  5. Be careful with food. ...
  6. Wash your hands.


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There are multiple factors play into why people get sick after a long flight. The dry air, low pressure, and the low amount of oxygen cause the immune system to weaken and can lead to inflamed sinus cavities.

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Eat Light. Contrary to popular belief, flying on an empty stomach doesn't help you combat air sickness. In fact, an empty stomach actually exacerbates symptoms. Eat a light meal such as crackers, fruit, and other light snacks.

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