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You are here: Backpacker Resources > Healthy Living > Part 49 - Avoiding Illness

Part 49 - Avoiding Illness

Inspiration for this month’s instalment came to me in the gym. The gym ‐ where in the last two weeks I was the only member of staff not to have fallen ill with a father violent tummy bug … but there’s still time! However in mid flu season I thought I would provide some advice for those who wish to stay away from illness, especially the adventurers who are beginning their travels.

Dodging Air‐conditioning Bugs on Planes

As many of you get on the road after the Christmas period, aeroplanes fill up with coughing and spluttering commuters, and with the same air circulating for the duration of the flight ‐ it’s no surprise that the risk of falling ill, can increase by a factor of a hundred. Scary stuff! Furthermore, having already booked your flights, it’s hard to change your plans should an epidemic break out but rest assured there are ways to minimise your chances of catching something nasty.

Before You Leave

The first one starts now ‐ at home or wherever you are in the world and it involves boosting the immune system. Lots of the classic vitamin C can do wonders against colds, so load up on the oranges. Vitamin supplements can also be helpful, as are zinc and selenium ‐ two minerals which are often taken to maximise the effects of training, by boosting the body’s ability to recover. Do check that such supplements are compatible with any medication that you may be taking and always pay attention to the recommended dosage. As for natural sources, zinc is commonly found in high‐protein foods and Brazil nuts are by far the best for selenium.

On the Plane

Once you’re on the plane, what can you do? Answer ‐ stay hydrated. Aeroplane air is very dry which causes the sinuses to dry out. At the risk of being disgusting, the moist mucus in out sinuses is the very thing that traps the nasty things we breathe in. Let them dry out and hello cold! So drink water, herbal tea and fruit juice. No caffeine and nothing fizzy or sugary. It is much better to be up and down to the toilet than to sit still and dry up. However …

Remember to wash your hands! Yes, although in everyday life a little exposure to germs serves to develop a strong immune system, for those few hours on a plane it is far better to err towards the obsessive compulsive. Avoid touching handles and surfaces but most importantly, avoid touching your face. Here is when a little bottle (remember ‐ only up to 100ml) of anti‐bacterial hand gel comes in very handy. Anti‐bacterial wipes are also available and can be used to wipe down your personal space (armrests, consoles, etc) before take off. I repeat ‐ this is not everyday behaviour but merely a response to the vast increase in the risk of illness, in such a contained environment.

Stay Away From Sneezers

Finally although everyone on board is pretty much breathing the same air, should you find yourself next to a sneezer or someone whose face is just a little too green for comfort, then check for spare seats elsewhere. Moving out of the firing line will certainly reduce your risk of turning the same colour. What about masks? Well it does seem a little extreme and indeed the protective face mask is far more effective if it’s worn by EVERYBODY, but if you plan to sleep on board, do think about covering your mouth, as well as your eyes!

So if you have a flight ahead load up on the good stuff well ahead of take off and once you’re in the air, do your best to keep the bad guys out. A simple awareness of the hazard is all it takes to ensure that you can start enjoying your holiday from the moment you step on the plane and in turn, start enjoying your trekking from the moment you arrive.

‐ David Haw