Why do I get a cold after flying?

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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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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Some recent studies do in fact suggest that traveling, especially flying, can have a negative effect on your immune system, thus making it easier for you to get sick.

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Being confined for an extended length of time in a plane can be a risk factor as everyone is crowded together making it easier for infections to circulate. Planes also have very little humidity and the dry air can irritate the mucous membranes of the throat.

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When it comes to combatting airplane germs, there are some ways to reduce your chances of getting sick after flying.
  1. Board The Airplane Last. ...
  2. Keep Your Hands As Clean As Possible. ...
  3. Sanitize The Area Where You're Sitting. ...
  4. Give Your System A Boost. ...
  5. Stay As Hydrated As Possible. ...
  6. Keep Oral Hygiene In Mind.


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Not only does jet lag cause that weary feeling, it can have some flu-like symptoms too. From headaches and nausea, to shivering, some people even suffer gastrointestinal problems.

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Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder, but not temporary enough for many travelers. If you're flying from San Francisco to Rome for a 10-day trip, for example, it may take six to nine days to fully recover. That's because it can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to adjust to the local time.

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How to Avoid Catching a Cold on a Plane
  1. Pick Your Seat Wisely. Windows seats aren't just good for watching the sunset. ...
  2. Keep Your Hands Clean. ...
  3. Bring Your Own Water. ...
  4. Take Vitamin C.


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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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The cramped conditions and long periods of being less active on a flight can cause pain, stiffness or swelling of your legs. Being less active can lead to slow blood flow in your veins which increases your risk of developing a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVTs most commonly form in the legs.

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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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Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two after traveling across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the farther you travel. This is especially true if you fly east. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.

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Our immune systems are sensitive to fluctuations in hormone levels, and when things are kept in delicate balances, the emotional and physical exertions of flying can be enough to trigger immune responses you don't want.

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9 Immune Boosting Foods That Travel Well
  • Red Bell Peppers. ...
  • Tea (Ginger, Peppermint or Green) ...
  • Yogurt (or Probiotics) ...
  • Nuts and Seeds. ...
  • Superfoods (Goji Berries and Spirulina) ...
  • Tropical Fruits (Papaya, Kiwi and Pineapple) ...
  • Sweet Potato. ...
  • Carrots.


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I recommend all my patients take immune-boosting supplements for three to five days leading up to travel and continue to do so throughout their trip, she shared. Specifically vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics.

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It is widely acknowledged that jet lag is worse when travelling east, but this has nothing to do with the direction of Earth's rotation. Like many creatures, humans have a circadian rhythm that follows a 24-hour period and is kept in sync by the eyes' response to natural light levels over the day.

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