In the midst of this crazy flu season….
I’m finally back from my trip to India, but my re-entry back to the daily grind has been a little rough. Despite staying super healthy during my entire trip, on my return flight home, I caught the flu.
I haven’t had the flu in many years, but boy does it feel like it’s gotten so much more vicious than I remember!
I got home late last Saturday night, Sunday I could feel something brewing in me, but I still woke up in good spirits Monday. I hit the ground running so I could share all the fun gifts I got for the orders that were placed in my absence. (Which by the way THANK YOU so much for all the support…I had so much putting together those orders!) Despite sleeping over ten hours each night, by Tuesday I began to fade. By that afternoon I was down for the count–and for so much longer than I expected–a whole entire week! I only began feeling better this past Tuesday. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be feeling better now, So in the midst of this crazy flu season, I’m going to play it much safer on trains, planes and automobiles from this point forward.
Tips to avoid getting sick on trains, planes and automobiles
The gentleman sitting next to me on the plane was extremely sick. He had a deep chest bug with a lot of congestion–he clearly was not doing well. A full 14 hours of sitting next to someone like that is obviously a recipe for getting sick. So, some things I plan to do next time I use public transportation that involves close quarters and a long travel time are:
- Wear an Anti-virus Facemask – I can’t make someone next to me wear it, but I can definitely wear one myself. I’m sure at first I might not like it, but 14 hours of a mask is so much better than a week of being out of commission.
- Ask to be Moved (and be a little more adamant about it) – When I noticed how sick the man was, I requested to move seats. Since I was traveling with my husband, the flight attendant said two seats would be difficult to find together since it was a pretty full flight. But during my first bathroom break, a few hours into my flight, I noticed that there were several options where we could have moved. By than passengers were sprawled out, so I didn’t feel comfortable making a stink about moving. But next time, for such a long flight, I would definitely be more adamant about needing to move.
- Use the Air Vents – I’m usually cold on planes, so I don’t like having the air vents on above me, but in this case I think having them on might have been helpful to circulate the air more.
- Stay Hydrated with Warm Liquids – I usually travel with a few of my favorite teas…peppermint and Echinacea. Sipping on it during the whole flight could have really been helpful. Staying hydrated helps ward off germs as your noses and throat keep your protective mucous membranes working. In addition, hot liquids can help kill off germs…especially when they contain essential oils like peppermint and Echinacea.
- Double Up on Immune Boosters – 2-3 days before traveling I will definitely double up on immune boosters like Ume, Umcka and Elderberry. All of these natural remedies are known to help with preventative cold/flu care.
- Antibacterial Wipes & Sprays – I had wipes, which I used frequently, but next time I think I’ll also travel with a spray, so that I can continually spray the air around me.
What do you do before or during travel to help keep the sickies away? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment below.
I look forward to sharing more about my travels in the coming weeks. Until then, here’s to staying healthy and happy for the rest of the winter!
xo,
Kajal
Excellent tips! I recently traveled and used a mask. More people should do the same! Also, I use the Doterra essential oil blend “On Guard” when I travel: there is a scientific study out now that shows it’s effectiveness in killing off certain flu viruses. It comes in spray, rub on and lozenges. So glad you are better, Kajal!
Thank you, Amy! I can’t wait to try that essential oil blend, I will have to order some ASAP.
Thank you! ❤️???
Dear Kajal ,
Thank you for your kindness in the surprises to my order , I loved them all !!! … I was saddened to hear that you caught the flu …..and glad you have recuperated …it is wicked this year …and we have had 6 deaths in the little state of Delaware …
One on my mantras in life is …Sleep is Medicine !, So my efforts before trave is to make sure I am rested …. often challenging when getting ready , and when vacationing……my other secret is keep my hands away from my face .!!!
Yay, I’m so happy you loved the surprises!
The death toll this flu season has definitely been alarming, it truly is wicked. And, you’re so right about sleep….true rest is such an under utilized medicine. I will add that and keeping my hands away from my face to my list!
Thank you! ❤️???
Thank you ❤️???!
Hi, Kajal, glad you are feeling better! I used to get sick traveling from Greece to Turkey. Relatively short flights but I always got sick. I used Airborne, but sometimes I got sick anyway. My doctor told me to try this instead of Airborne: when I arrive and get off the plane, I immediately go to the restroom, wash my hands (crucial first step) and then snort a handful of water into my nose. I then proceed to close one nostril at a time and blow out the water. Sounds gross, but I stopped getting sick! I do it every time I fly now.
Hi Jacquie!! That makes total sense….because your flushing out all the germs that you inhale and are stuck in your sinuses! I will definitely add that to my list too! Thank you! Hope you’re well! ❤️???
Hello from India!
Prior to my trip, I took doses of Elderberry syrup, oregano oil, and have been taking probiotic supplements to strengthen my gut flora. I also have been trying to keep stress at bay, with mixed results.
During my main flight yesterday, the air was on, I used Lysol wipes on the tray table & in the bathroom, & the couple who were sitting next to me were healthy. On my connecting flight from Delhi to Dehradun, the woman next to me coughed a few times. I turned my head away from her, then washed my hands really well in the hotel. I’ll carry my Lysol wipes & hand sanitizer while traveling, & hope to pick up some face masks before my flight home.
When I return, I’ll continue the elderberry syrup & probiotics.
Thanks for sharing your tips, and stay well!
Namaste,
Kim
Hi Kim,
Sounds like you have an awesome system! I was just introduced to Elderberry products during my recent bout with the flu and I have to say it helped me a lot, too. In the future I think I’ll probably add Elderberry + Oregano Oil to my prior to travel regiment. Safe travels, friend! Thank you!!
I won’t travel without my rescue remedy and a small bottle of good pure lavender essential oils, both for fighting germs and countering bad smells. If I need to, I’ll even put one drop of EO under my nose. On a recent flight, my neighbor had a bottle of ‘thieves’ essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle. Not bad, but I still prefer the scent of my lavender. xo
Yes, totally! Essential oils are so helpful! I’ll have to try Lavendar….I often use The Ayurvedic Institute’s Super Nasya as I LOVE the eucalyptus in it.
As for the Rescue Remedy…I’ve tried Pastilles, but will have to try the tincture for sure. Thank you so much for sharing these awesome tips!