Many people are looking forward to a well-earned summer holiday after saving up, working hard and packing everything they need, and a trip to a local travel pharmacy can help ensure that you have a happy, healthy holiday without any unfortunate surprises.
A lot of people are aware of the effects of jet lag or post-flight flu, and it can sometimes cost you entire days of your break and make your experience more stressful than it needs to be.
For many people, the flight itself is one of the most stressful parts of a holiday, but it is also where a lot of people can be exposed to new pathogens, unusual cabin conditions or even deep vein thrombosis.
There are thankfully ways to protect yourself whilst on a flight and ensure that you get to your destination ready to start your holiday as you mean to go on.
Do Not Fly If You Are Feeling Very Unwell
The golden rule of staying healthy whilst travelling is not to start your journey with an infectious disease. Some particularly contagious diseases may lead some airlines to refuse to let you on the plane until you get better.
Your GP is typically in the best position to advise you on whether your health might affect your ability to fly, and most airlines will have stated medical fitness to fly guidelines.
Wear A Mask
Whilst many people believe that the air conditioning system of a plane can increase the risk of an infectious disease spreading, this is not the case in reality due to highly effective particulate filters. You are just as likely to catch a disease breathing recirculated air as you would any other.
The urban legend likely spread because there is a simpler reason why people often get ill after flying; aircraft are inherently small and you are in close proximity to a lot of people, some of whom could possibly be unwell themselves.
This means that, whilst not required anymore for travel, it is still a good idea to wear a mask and pack (or buy at the airport) some antibacterial gel if you are worried about catching anything.
Suck On A Lozenge (Or Yawn)
Many people who took a flight as a child might have been advised to suck on a boiled sweet when the plane takes off and lands to stop their ears popping.
That popping, caused by your ear adapting to a change in atmospheric air pressure, is otherwise very common, even if it can be a bit uncomfortable.
The easiest way to stop any discomfort or pain is to swallow, as this opens the eustachian tubes, which connect your inner ear to the back of your throat and control air pressure in your ears.
Sucking on a lozenge, chewing on something or even yawning all mimic swallowing and will typically relieve the pressure very quickly.
Drink Lots Of Water
One side effect of the air circulation inside an airline cabin is that it gets very dry. This can lead to dehydration, as well as dry skin, eyes, lips and a sore nose.
Drinking lots of water can help with all of these to varying degrees, so try to pack a refillable water bottle (or buy one at the airport) and fill it up once you get past airline security.
As well as this, lip balms, moisturising creams or lotions, and nasal sprays can help reduce other symptoms of dehydration.
Finally, if you wear prescription lenses, try to wear a pair of glasses on your flight rather than contact lenses, as the dry conditions can lead to irritation.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol if possible, as both of these can cause dehydration by acting as a makeshift diuretic.
Avoid Eating A Big Meal The Night Before
For the same reasons why your ears pop during take-off and landing, you might get a sudden bloated or pressured feeling in your stomach that can feel somewhat unpleasant.
Try to eat small meals the night before you fly to avoid being too full, and avoid pulses and beans that can also make you feel bloated.
Move Your Legs
One particular condition that is more common on long-haul flights is deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot caused by a lack of movement and physical activity on a flight.
Ask your doctor if you think you are at an increased risk of contracting it before you fly, try to choose an aisle seat if the option is available, and undertake gentle flexes and extensions of the calves and ankles to encourage blood flow around your legs.
Certain types of compression socks can help, but discuss this with your travel pharmacist or GP first to make sure they are right for you.