What to take before flying to avoid getting sick?

Take Vitamins Before Your Flight It certainly can't hurt to take a standard multivitamin, which you should start taking at least 2 days before flying. If you still happen to get sick after taking precautions, vitamin C can help to reduce the severity and longevity of your cold symptoms.



To minimize the risk of "airplane crud," health experts recommend a proactive regimen focused on hydration and barrier protection. Taking a saline nasal spray before and during the flight is one of the most effective steps, as it keeps nasal passages moist and helps the cilia trap viruses in the dry cabin air. Supplementing with Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D in the days leading up to travel can help prime the immune system, though these are not "magic bullets." For those prone to digestive issues, a probiotic can help maintain gut health during travel-related stress. Additionally, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) frequently is crucial, as tray tables and seat pockets are notorious germ hotspots. Drinking plenty of water—aiming for 8 ounces for every hour in the air—helps prevent dehydration, which can weaken your body's natural defenses. If you are particularly concerned about respiratory illness, wearing a high-quality N95 or FFP2 mask remains the single most effective way to avoid breathing in pathogens from nearby passengers.

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Eat light before you fly – both the night before and day of your flight – and pick up some crackers or other bland snacks in the airport to help in case your stomach gets upset. Stay away from greasy and spicy foods and limit your salt intake as well since flights can be dehydrating.

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With a doctor's approval, adults can take a decongestant. “If it's a short flight, take it [the decongestant] before leaving,” House says. If it's a long flight, eight hours or so, you might take it an hour or so before the scheduled landing.

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The culprit is a compromised immune response due to the bodily impacts of flying. The increased exposure to pathogens + a weakened immune system = your body unable to fight off infections. Your immune system is suppressed when you fly due to the very nature of being on an aircraft.

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Airborne pathogens in the airplane can be spread through sneezing, coughing, and mere breathing, leaving you susceptible to a variety of illnesses. A face mask gives you an additional layer of defense against airborne pathogens. In addition, they prevent you from touching your nose and mouth with your hands.

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Does it help to take the medicine before you start traveling? If you have a history of severe motion sickness symptoms, it's best to take medication one hour before your trip.

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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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If you don't shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space—particularly your bed.

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Low air pressure during air travel also decreases the amount of oxygen in the air. This effect is modest and generally not noticeable for healthy travelers. For patients with significant lung disease, a small decrease in available oxygen can cause significant symptoms, especially with exercise.

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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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1. About one hour before expected descent, take a decongestant (such as Sudafed- 12hr). 2. About 30 minutes before the flight use a nasal spray (such as Afrin or Neo-Synephrine).

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What Are the Best—And Safest—Sleeping Pills for Flights?
  • Ambien. Ambien—the most powerful option on this list and the only one that requires a prescription—works as a sedative-hypnotic medication that slows your brain activity to make you feel very sleepy. ...
  • Tylenol PM. ...
  • Melatonin.


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With the right preparation, your in-flight experience can be allergy-free and clear for landing before you leave the ground. So, to help keep the friendly skies friendly, be sure to use your favorite FLONASE allergy relief nasal spray the morning of your flight.

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If you forget antihistamines and decongestants, don't expect any supplies on board. “Flight attendants are not allowed to dispense any kind of medicine except what is boarded--currently just acetaminophen (Tylenol),” according to a United Airlines spokesman.

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A 2019 studyby Hunter College found that many airlines have possibly provided passengers with unhealthy drinking water. The researchers recommend flyers only consume water from sealed bottles. It would also be wise to not drink coffee or tea that was prepared on board, Bedding advised.

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Water might sound like a boring drink to you. But, it will help keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed. There's nothing stopping you from drinking tea or coffee before you board your flight. Just try to avoid doing so while you're in the air.

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Drink plenty of water The general rule is to drink little and often. Before you even step on board a plane, you should carry a large bottle of water with you.

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