Travelers preparing for holiday trips can reduce illness risks by protecting their sleep, staying hydrated and washing their hands, according to new guidance from UR Medicine. Cruise passengers and people heading abroad may need additional precautions tailored to their trip.
In its Nov. 13 travel health guide, the health system features infectious disease physician Dr. Angela Branche and explains how crowded spaces, disrupted routines and unfamiliar food and water can affect travelers’ health.
Prepare before boarding a plane
Travel itself does not weaken the immune system, UR Medicine says. But changes in sleep, stress, hydration and nutrition can leave travelers less prepared to fight illness while their surroundings expose them to more germs.
Early departures and jet lag can interrupt sleep. The guide emphasizes getting enough rest before and during a trip, alongside regular meals and adequate fluids.
For flights, UR Medicine recommends drinking water before departure and while onboard, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and considering electrolyte packets. Frequently touched surfaces also deserve attention: Tray tables, seat belt buckles, screens and armrests are among the places travelers can clean with disinfectant wipes.
Hand sanitizer can be useful during travel. The guide also suggests packing lotion because dry skin can develop small cracks.
Cruise ships require particular attention to handwashing
Close living quarters, shared dining spaces and large groups make it easier for illnesses such as norovirus to spread on cruise ships. Buffets and frequently touched surfaces add opportunities for exposure, especially when passengers do not wash their hands regularly.
For norovirus prevention, UR Medicine emphasizes washing with soap and water rather than relying on hand sanitizer.
The guide also advises avoiding food that has been sitting out too long and drinking enough fluids, particularly in hot weather. During shore excursions, travelers should be cautious about food and water sources and bring bottled water when possible.
Passengers who develop vomiting, diarrhea, fever or respiratory symptoms should limit contact with others and report their symptoms to the ship’s medical staff. Hydration and rest are also part of the guidance.
Plan flu protection ahead of departure
UR Medicine recommends getting a flu shot at least two weeks before a trip when possible, allowing time for protection to develop. Vaccination can still be worthwhile when departure is sooner, the guide says.
The health system also encourages travelers to recognize early flu symptoms before boarding a plane or cruise ship.
Supplements cannot guarantee a healthy trip
Products marketed for immune support, including Emergen-C and Airborne, do not guarantee that a traveler will avoid illness, according to UR Medicine. The guide distinguishes supporting normal immune function from preventing an infection.
Its emphasis remains on everyday habits: sufficient sleep, hydration, nutrition and handwashing. Travelers should not treat a supplement as a replacement for those precautions.
International trips may call for personalized advice
Travel abroad can involve additional exposure to infections and unsafe food or water. Preparation depends on the destination, making a personalized travel health consultation useful before departure.
UR Medicine says its Travel Health team partners with Passport Health to offer consultations, recommended vaccinations and destination-specific health and safety guidance. Travelers can find information about those services through the health system’s travel health guide.
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