You’ve been looking forward to that family vacation all year, so you shouldn’t spend it caring for a sick child. Unfortunately, traveling can make your kid more susceptible to the colds and the flu. That’s because children tend to want to explore and touch new things, especially in unfamiliar environments. That increases the likelihood she will come in contact with a virus.
Traveling by airplane, train or bus also raises the risk of getting sick, because a number of people are in an enclosed space for a prolonged period of time. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Research found that people were five or more times more likely to catch a cold after sitting on a flight.
But that doesn’t mean you have to pack the throat drops along with the sunscreen and beach towels. Follow these moves to make sure that the only things your family brings home are happy memories and souvenirs -- not sniffles and sneezes.
1. Scrub up. Washing your hands is the No. 1 way to fend off colds and viruses. So, make sure that your little one scrubs her hands thoroughly -- including at the top, on the bottom, between the fingers and beneath the fingernails -- with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Regularly hit the sink throughout the day -- especially in rest rooms. According to researchers from Sul Ross State University in Texas, 1 in 5 highway rest-stop bathrooms were contaminated with dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
2. Use a hand sanitizer. Can’t get to a sink? Stash a container of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your purse and whip it out regularly. Also have your child rub the gel all over her hands like she would if she was washing her hands; the rubbing and friction helps to remove the viruses.
3. Consider a mask. If you’re particularly worried about your kid getting sick on a flight, you may want to use a child-safe face mask. Available at medical supply stores and pharmacies, these disposable paper masks block out the germs that are circulating in the air.
4. Make smart nutrition decisions. Part of the fun of vacation is indulging in treats and local cuisine. But you want to make sure that your kids are eating their fruits and veggies along with that ice cream cone. Those immune-boosting nutrients are important to help fight off viruses. Pack healthy snacks, such as nuts and whole pieces of fruit, to munch on between meals.
5. Get enough shut-eye. Research shows that falling short on sleep weakens the immune system, making you more vulnerable to viruses. It can get tricky, but try to ensure that your child is logging enough z’s on vacation. Having trouble with a time change? If you’re on a short two- or three-day vacation, don’t bother trying to adjust your kids’ sleep schedule. For longer trips, gradually shift their bedtime until they become adjusted. You may need to sneak in an extra nap to avoid shortchanging their rest.
