Traveling? Here are some tips to prevent catching a bug

MeritusNow providers have been seeing an increase in the number of patients with sinus and congestion problems, as well as gastrointestinal issues.

The virtual care providers have also noted that many of these illnesses have been happening in patients who have just returned from traveling.

Unfortunately, catching a cold or bug is one of the risks when traveling, said Anand Budi, M.D., chief medical officer.

“Whether it’s a short trip, a visit to the beach, a stay at a hotel or a campground, there’s always the risk of infection,” Dr. Budi said.

That’s because at least one person in a crowd will have some kind of illness, whether they know it or not. Respiratory infections such as the common cold, sinusitis or strep throat are common. Others, such as flu, COVID-19 or RSV are more serious.

Be it on a plane, a cruise or even a personal vehicle, the germs spread, Dr. Budi said.

“In places like this, there is poor airflow, and air is sometimes recycled,” he said. “You have poor quality of air that will carry germs and allergens, leading to you getting sick.”

It’s not just the air that can carry germs.

While traveling, you’re going to eat something.

That can bring along a host of things that can lead to a gastrointestinal illness. Everything from food — even coffee creamer — sitting out too long to someone not properly washing their hands can cause a problem.

“You can’t be 100 percent certain of cleanliness,” Dr. Budi said. “It’s very difficult to keep proper temperatures or freshness.”

So, does this mean no more fun of any kind? Should you stay home and cover your head with a blanket?

There are precautions you can take to help ward off the bad stuff, Dr. Budi said.

First, always wash your hands thoroughly before touching food. Handwashing is the most effective way to halt the spread of germs, he said.

Related to that, use sterile wipes to wipe down seats and seat belts in airplanes.

“And if you’re around people who are coughing, try to maintain some distance if you can,” he said. “That’s not always easy on an airplane.”

To combat that issue, Dr. Budi said to consider wearing a mask.

For those on a road trip with family, he suggests making regular pitstops to stretch your legs. That will let you get some fresh air.

Above all, staying hydrated can help ward off getting sick, Dr. Budi said.

“It kind of flushes the virus out of the system,” he said. “Drinking water, particularly, has been shown to decrease the intensity of sickness.”

If you find yourself coming down with something, Meritus has a way for you to see a healthcare provider without leaving your home. Visit MeritusNow at now.meritus.com to make a virtual appointment with a board-certified physician or provider. The service is available seven days a week for patients 5 and older.