WHY IT IS THAT whenever I go to Manila for a few days, I often come back feeling sick and needing even more time off to recover? Is it the travel that’s making me ill? And, if so, what’s the best way to avoid catching something?
Physicians say that coming home with a cold or other bugs is very common due to the exposure we have and the activities we do while traveling. Planes, airports, buses and taxis are all spaces that put travelers in close contact with infected individuals.
Close passenger contact is almost unavoidable, and you are sitting in the same seats without them being cleaned between passengers, which makes the likelihood of getting sick higher. How we spend our time also matters. Concerts, sporting events, shopping and other activities are common places to catch a cold because of the large number of people in one given space at one given time.
Besides, travel can also disrupt one’s sleep routine as well as our diet and the amount of physical activity we typically get, which can also make us more susceptible to catching colds and other bugs.
You might also just be feeling the effects of fatigue. Oftentimes when you are on vacation you are all ‘go go go,’ and when you finally come home, it all stops and you ease back into your typical routine. This can create fatigue and the feelings of being worn down after a trip as you finally settle.
But studies show that there are ways to try to reduce your odds of coming home ill, as follows:
1. Keep your hands clean. One common source of infections can be high-touch surfaces — things like door handles or common-use items that may not be cleaned often. As such, frequent handwashing with soap and water can help prevent disease transmission via that route.
2. Watch the people around you. Be mindful of standing next to people who are showing signs of illness like coughing and sneezing. Germs love proximity, so do your best to stay away from those who are noticeably sick.
3. Wear a mask. Wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks can help prevent respiratory virus transmission, especially in crowds. Studies have shown that masks help reduce the spread of airborne pathogens, from colds and COVID, among others.
4. Drink water. Hydration is important for overall health so drink plenty of water while traveling. This goes double if you’re taking any flights, as airplanes can dehydrate you.
5. Stay on top of your vaccines. While there are no vaccines for colds, many other illnesses can be avoided if you stay up to date on your shots.
COVID-19, pertussis (aka whooping cough) and chicken pox are just some of the vaccinations you can get to reduce your odds of getting sick and greatly reduce your chances of serious illness.
6. Avoid the crowds. And, finally, experts agree that travel during off-peak times and away from larger groups is always recommended if you’re trying to avoid getting sick. If you’re visiting busy attractions like museums and theme parks, try going on a weekday. By Manny Palomar, PhD (EV Mail JAN. 13-19, 2025 issue)