Is it common to get a cold while traveling?

Studies show you're anywhere from 20 to 113 percent more likely to catch a cold while traveling.” Which means you need to be proactive. The odds are not stacked in your favor when you're on the road, so we interviewed medical professionals about how to avoid the plague as best as possible.



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Traveling between different climates can confuse our bodies and make us more susceptible to illnesses because our immune systems aren't sure how to react. Your body has to readjust to the new temperature before it can fight off any symptoms coming your way, allowing you to feel sick much faster.

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If you get sick while traveling, it will most likely be a stomach virus like norovirus, a cold or the flu. Usually, treatment involves drinking lots of water, rest and taking care of your symptoms. But it's also a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of infection such as high fever, chills, headache and fatigue.

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Stress and Anxiety: One reason that many people fall sick before travelling is simply that they are stressed. Even if you're excited about your trip, the preparations involved can be overwhelming.

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Some people wonder why they always get sick on vacation or shortly after. It's actually quite common and could be due to a combination of factors including exposure to more people and more illnesses, or a weakened immune system from less sleep or from increased alcohol consumption while traveling.

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What are returning travelers' most common complaints? “Diarrhea, fever and rash are the most commonly reported symptoms among post-vacation travelers,” Dr. Oza says.

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5 tips to deal with cough while travelling
  1. Warm water for instant relief.
  2. Moist cloth can go a long way.
  3. A blanket to keep you warm.
  4. Don't forget your OTC cough syrup.
  5. Read our top 10 cough articles.


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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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Sick on vacation? Four ways to help yourself feel better and get back to enjoying your trip
  1. Rest. It may be tempting to power through and keep sightseeing, but pushing yourself when you're sick can make things worse and prolong your recovery time. ...
  2. Stay Hydrated. ...
  3. IV Drip. ...
  4. Seek Medical Attention.


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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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Now, if you need to delay your trip for illness, you can usually do so without penalty. Most airlines now allow changes with Economy tickets. When you are well enough to travel, you'll just have to pay the difference in cost for an airline ticket (if there is one for your new dates).

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