How to Avoid Getting Sick on Your Summer Vacation

The following article was shared by Dr. Alexander Evens, DO, Medical Director of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Marin General Hospital and Director of Infection Control at Novato Community Hospital.

With summer vacations coming up, I’m starting to receive questions from my patients and friends about how they can avoid getting sick when travelling. This question is of particular importance this year, as we’ve seen a broad outbreak of measles, mumps, and influenza. Some of the spread of these viruses can be attributed to airplane travel. However, while airplanes and airports are potentially germ ridden places (especially the bathrooms), a little common sense can go a long way to ensure you and your family have a safe and healthy trip.

Travel Insurance

One of the things I do when planning an extended trip is buy travel insurance. For example, a standard insurance package for a two-week trip from California to France will cost about $80 if you’re 50 years old. Refer to the insurance carrier’s website to determine what is covered/not covered by their policies. You don’t want sickness to ruin your vacation and this type of insurance will give you piece of mind.

Get Rest

Staying fit and healthy while on vacation is important for keeping an immune system in proper working order. This means adequate sleep and nutrition are key. Travel is stressful on the body and this inherent stress alone can lower a person’s immune system. It’s important to plan time to relax in between running around seeing the sights. Please arrive to the airport early and set aside enough time for gate connections. Unfortunately, there is no proven medication or supplement to combat the phenomenon of jet lag. Some persons have had success with melatonin. I suggest avoiding dehydration, prescription or over the counter (OTC) sedatives, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Face Mask

While wearing a face mask is a bit overkill for a healthy patient, it should be a strong consideration for someone who’s immunocompromised. I bring a face mask in my carry-on just in case, but only take it out when I inconveniently sit next to a person coughing or looking ill.

Make Sure Your Shots Are Up-to-Date

Everyone travelling should be up-to-date with their influenza, tetanus, and pertussis boosters. If you’re going to a more exotic destination, visit the CDC travel website to see if there are any travel notices for your destination, and, if so, see your doctor regarding any additional vaccinations that may be required.

Wash Your Hands

Most germs that ultimately impact us are spread via fecal to oral (usually from dirty hands) and respiratory (dirty hands touching the nose and mouth), so washing hands is a must. While there is no standard for frequency, I recommend people wash their hands before eating and obviously after using the restroom. Good hand hygiene requires washing with soap and water for at least 20 to 30 seconds. While there isn’t excellent evidence that shows using hand sanitizers and/or wet wipes are effective at preventing germ transmission, it’s nonetheless smart to conduct hand hygiene whenever possible when travelling. I personally always pack a hand sanitizer along with me.

Be Mindful of Airplane Seats and Trays

Airplane seats and trays are not cleaned frequently. It would wise to clean these areas before you plan to use them. Also, airplane bathrooms are notoriously ridden with high-amounts of bacteria. It is critical to pay attention to strict hand hygiene when using them.