5 Things a Microbiologist Takes on Every Flight

Written by

Ashley Abramson
Ashley Abramson
Ashley Abramson is a writer-mom hybrid. Her work, mostly focused on health, psychology, and parenting, has been featured in the Washington Post, New York Times, Allure, and more. She lives in the Milwaukee suburbs with her husband and two young sons.
updated Nov 21, 2019
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Nobody has time to get sick during the hustle and bustle of the fall and winter months. But if you have travel plans, your risk is a little bit higher: studies show incidences of viral illness increase during travel.

Dr. Deborah Fuller, a microbiologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, says the most worrisome (and likely) infection is influenza, which spreads by air. “If you’re in a close environment like an airplane, the flu is the primary thing you’d probably need to worry about being transmitted,” she says. “But usually you won’t catch it if you’re in the front row and the infected person is in the back—it would need to be someone close by.”

Her first tip for preventing infection on a plane is vaccination. Make sure you and your family members get your flu shots a few weeks before you travel, since they typically take around two weeks to kick in. 

Once you’re vaccinated, your likelihood of catching influenza decreases, but Fuller says you can take other prevention measures (not to mention protect yourself from other germs, which aren’t covered by the flu shot). Here’s what she recommends bringing on every flight—especially during flu season.

Hand sanitizer 

Since touching something a sick person has touched (or sneezed on) is another way to catch an illness, Fuller recommends keeping an alcohol-based sanitizer on hand and using it frequently when you’re on the plane, especially after you go to public areas like the bathroom. Keep in mind that experts say hand-washing is more effective than sanitizer for killing some microbes, so always use soap and water when it’s available.

A face mask

Most airplanes filter the air, which could prevent the spread of germs that could make you sick. But if you’re sitting on the tarmac for a long period of time waiting to take off, planes often turn off their air filters. While you probably don’t need to wear a face mask during the entire flight (unless, of course, you’re sick), Fuller suggests bringing one just in case. If you get stuck on the tarmac, use it to cover your mouth and nose.  

Clorox wipes 

Whether you just want to be extra cautious or you have little kids who touch every surface and then put their hands in their mouths, it might be a good idea to use disinfecting wipes on arm rests and tray tables before taking off. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the label—to kill the 99.9 percent of germs they claim to, most disinfectants need to sit on a surface for several minutes before wiping.

Water and snacks

Buying food and beverages in the airport or on the plane means passing around your credit card, so if you’re worried about germs, it might be helpful to bring your own snack along. Another perk: A healthy snack will also keep your immune system strong. Steer clear of sugary food and especially alcohol, which can dehydrate you.

Fuller says it’s especially important to drink plenty of water on the plane, since the dry air can quickly dehydrate you. “You’re definitely much more susceptible to microbes if you’re dehydrated,” she says. 

Vitamin C supplements

There may be some scientific basis to drinking Vitamin C drinks like Airborne or Emergen-C, both in general and on the plane as an alternative to alcohol or a sugary drink—Fuller says Vitamin C plays a clear role in boosting immunity. 

While keeping your Vitamin C up can help you fight off bugs, Fuller says a healthy lifestyle is even more important. Throughout the winter season, focus on eating nutritiously, resting, and exercising regularly. “We can resist a lot of pathogens if we stay in good health,” she says.