We can’t believe that we are already preparing for the upcoming holiday season for 2023! We hope you are looking forward to seeing old friends, family members and making more memories this year just like we are.

While we know that this time of year is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, traveling to your destinations and heading home can increase your risk of getting sick right at the most inconvenient time.

Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team explains some reliable ways of staying healthy while you are traveling home, so read on to learn more.

Can I Avoid Getting Sick While Flying?

Hundreds of thousands of people take to the skies to get home to see family and friends, which means that there are all kinds of germs at the airport and on the plane. The best way to avoid getting sick is to support your immune system before you even get started on your journey. Eat well, exercise regularly and prioritize sleep in the days leading up to your trip.

Once you are at the airport, wash your hands often and especially after making it through each checkpoint like security and checking in to your gate. Avoid touching things like door handles and light switches as much as possible. If you have the ability to pick your seat ahead of time, opt for a middle or window seat if possible. Aisle seats come into direct contact with many more people as they move up and down the cabin and come back from the bathroom.

Additional Tips for Travel

• Pack an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Use disinfecting wipes on the seat, buckle and tray table.
• Consider wearing a mask.
• Cover all coughs and sneezes.

What Other Ways Can I Support My Health?

So, you made it to your destination safely without getting sick! Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you are in the clear. Another possible way of getting sick is by contracting a foodborne illness. The family-style buffets and potlucks that tend to be more popular at this time of year can easily encourage bacterial growth on perishable food.

Bacteria can start to grow on food that has been sitting out for only two hours, so we recommend eating food as soon as it is prepared and avoiding the options that have been sitting out for a while. This recommendation also translates to food options while you are traveling. Gas station food and other quick-service options can be fast meals, but the warmers and rollers may not be clean or the food has been sitting out for a long time. Pack your own food or wait until you arrive at your destination just to be safe.

Avoiding Foodborne Illnesses

• Cook all meat to the recommended temperatures.
• Serve meals immediately after preparing them.
• Store leftovers within two hours.
• Ask about any allergies or food sensitivities before making food to share.

We can help you feel better faster this holiday season. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Louisville for a visit.