Did you know?

There are ways to minimize contact with germs when traveling

It’s enough to make the happiest traveler stay at home. That is, when we think of all the germs that surround us when we go places, it certainly gives us pause. Every surface we touch in the airport, in public restrooms, at train and bus stations, even on the most upscale cruise ships, is a potential transmitter of germs. For example, the dirtiest parts of a hotel room are the remote control, the light switches and the doorknobs. In other words, wherever people touch the most, the maximum amount of germs reside.

Limit Exposure
Although exposure to germs is unavoidable, we can take certain precautions:

• Bring hand sanitizer wipes with you. As much as possible, wipe down surfaces, such as door handles and knobs. Wipes are better than liquid or gel sanitizers, because you won’t have accidental spills.
• Drink lots of water whenever you are traveling. Since liquids can’t pass airport checkpoints, make sure you time your hydration breaks accordingly.
• Boost your immunity before and during travel by taking plenty of vitamin C or herbal nutrients.
• Since so many germs are airborne and inhaled, doctors recommend dabbing a little antibiotic ointment in the nose to offset the risk. This is a common procedure requested of patients up to five days before surgeries to minimize the risk of contracting an infection of some sort. It’s an easy practice to do before and during travel.
• It may not be attractive, but it certainly is wise to wear a mask while traveling to certain areas of the world that are known to be the sources of many viruses. In fact, residents of certain metropolitan areas wear masks habitually to filter out rampant urban air pollution.
• Many hotels still put water glasses in the guest rooms. It is more prudent to drink from cups that are wrapped in plastic. Even though the housekeeper may be gloved, those covered hands may go from toilet cleaning straight to placing glasses on the counter!
• Anti-diarrhea pills, zinc lozenges and anti-inflammatory tablets are all sensible over-the-counter medications to bring on your travels.