What to do if you get a cold while traveling?

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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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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If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can't be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit Getting Health Care During Travel to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

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Many of us will pack our bags and enjoy a nice vacation this year, but some people will return home with more than just a souvenir. The most common health issues that people encounter after a trip include: Minor colds. Fevers.

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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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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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Airlines have the right to refuse to carry passengers with conditions that may worsen. If the crew believes a passenger may have serious consequences during the flight, the passenger can be stopped.

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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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Medicines can be used to prevent or treat motion sickness, although many of them cause drowsiness. Talk to a healthcare professional to decide if you should take medicines for motion sickness. Commonly used medicines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and scopolamine.

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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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People who do not travel often may get used to movement during a trip lasting several days. Even those who travel often may find that symptoms get better as they are more often exposed to motion. However, people who get anxious before a journey often have worsened symptoms of motion sickness.

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When we travel our bodies endure a lot of stress, says Gretchen Genato, a nurse practitioner at Cedars-Sinai's Playa Vista Urgent Care. Stress can decrease your immune system, making you susceptible to illness.

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How to Deal With the Flu While Traveling
  1. Rest. This first tip might seem impossible during a busy travel schedule. ...
  2. Go to a Health Clinic. Don't wait to see if you feel better. ...
  3. Drink Clear Liquids. There's a reason the doctor always tells you to drink water when sick. ...
  4. Avoid Alcohol. ...
  5. Notify Your Doctor.


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Drowsiness, constipation, blurred vision, or dry mouth/nose/throat may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

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Scopolamine (Transderm Scop). Most commonly prescribed medication for motion sickness. You have to take it before symptoms start. It comes in patch form to put behind your ear 6 to 8 hours before travel. If the patch is left in place, effects last up to 3 days.

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