How NOT to get sick while traveling

I thought I had thought of everything for all of our climbing trips. But I hadn't accounted for the possibility that we could get sick. During a trip in Bend, OR, Brendan started coughing. At first, I thought it was an allergy since it was spring there and everything was spouting, but alas no. It turned into some viral thing that eventually we all got. (UPDATE: turns out it was Croup; yes, you read that right. Croup in a 17 year old and we all got it.) Not fun. I've done some research and asked savvy travelers how they avoid getting sick and here is what they said.

For the most part, if you are traveling on an airplane, the consensus is that the recycled air is so well-cleaned that it is not as much of a worry. Folks worry about surfaces. We all have read about how an airplane could be better cleaned since the turnaround time is so little between flights. Most people recommend wiping down the seat belt, window shade, tray table, and armrests before sitting. If you are able, travel first class to avoid the masses. People also mention getting Lounge access to get away from the masses. I cannot do either, so oh well. (Plus, I'm not a fan of lounges...it stresses me out to be so far away from the gate. There, I said it.)

Then there are the things you can do to yourself, like washing your hands often. This is perhaps the most important thing to remember to do. Many folks suggested taking vitamins, zinc, emergencee, and other supplements to help boost the immune system before and during a trip. Some folks also subscribe to the mask-wearing idea, especially N95s. I started wearing my KN95s not for the germs, but because it keeps my nose from drying out. (Yes, the idea is gross, but my nose survives the dry air at 30,000 feet better with it on.) I'm a big fan of taking Vitamin D, especially up here in Alaska, so that is a given. Getting a good amount of sleep is also recommended. It is also recommended to open the vents on the airplane to get the filtered air. Drinking colloidal silver, zinc, and vitamin C as well as hydrating before a flight. Some suggest using a saline nose spray with Vaseline to keep the nasal membranes moist and harder for viruses to infiltrate.

I will be changing my airline protocols after this last bug, which was a doozy. Here's to virus-free travel.

UPDATE: We have figured out that if Brendan wears a mask on the plane after a competition, he doesn't get sick! And that means I don't either!

CLIMB ON!