As we approach cold and flu season, I get a lot of questions from people about how to avoid getting sick while traveling. A lot of what I do is normal preventative stuff: wash your hands often and thoroughly, cover your mouth (with your arm) when you sneeze, take your vitamins, and don’t over do it if you feel run down. Here are a few extra things I do when I’m traveling:

• Stay hydrated, inside and out. I drink tons of water this time of year—way more than normal. I also use a saline spray to keep my nasal membranes moist. Lip balm and hand lotion round out the hydration team.
• Wipe down surfaces. It sounds ridiculous (or anal retentive. Or paranoid. Whatever.) but I wipe down the tray table before I use it during cold and flu season. (Bonus: use a paper towel to open bathroom doors.)
• Vitamin C. I take Emergen-C regularly, and double up October-February. Not only do I stay healthy, I get a nice energy boost.
• Sanitize. Keep a travel-sized hand sanitizer with you and use often.
• Get as much sleep as you can. It’s not always easy during work trips, but enough sleep can help you avoid getting sick. Try to plan your schedule so that you can get as close to eight hours a night as possible.
• Keep certain meds on hand. I keep Dayquil Cold and Flu, ibuprofen, Pepto Bismol, and Tylenol PM with me at all times, just in case.

Readers, what are your tips for staying healthy while on the road?

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