Here are some tips for making all of your travel experiences as safe and healthy as possible.
Had RAI?
When flying, take a walk around the cabin every hour or two if flight safety permits.
Verywell / Emily Mendoza
Similarly, if you’re traveling internationally, verify you have all the appropriate vaccines.
This is particularly important when you have a chronic illness like thyroid disease.
Try Melatonin
Sleep is important, especially when you have a chronic illness like thyroid disease.
Melatonin can help you adjust to time zone changes and reset your internal clock.
confirm your medications are in their original bottles to avoid security issues.
Sometimes you’re asked to “gate check” your carry-on right before boarding due to limited overhead space.
Ask for bottled water, or purchase some in an airport shop prior to boarding.
Bring along disinfectant wipes for your seatbelt, tray table, and armrests.
Tray tables, in particular, have been shown to be a prime source of bacteria on airplanes.
Use hand sanitizer after touching anything other people have touched like the reading light or vent.
If you must fly while ill, contact your healthcare provider to ask about what precautions you should take.
Some healthcare providers may suggest that youtake a decongestantor follow other recommendations before or during a flight.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Dizziness or Light-Headedness When Standing Up.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Blood Clots and Travel: What you should probably Know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza Prevention: Information for Travelers.
Tortorolo F, Farren F, Rada G.Is melatonin useful for jet lag?.Medwave.
2015;15 Suppl 3:e6343.
doi:10.5867/medwave.2015.6343
Radiological Society of North America.Thyroid Disease.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.Aircraft Drinking Water Rule.
World Health Organization.International travel and health.
