Travelers love to bring home lasting memories of their trips, but flu isn’t one of them. Getting sick far away from the comforts of home can ruin an entire vacation or business trip. Since travel often requires close contact with a large number of people, commuters are more susceptible to germs and flu.
“Confined to smaller spaces, breathing recycled air and touching more common surfaces, travelers have an increased risk of infection,” says Dr. Robert Schiller, department chairman of Family Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. “The proximity of passengers and the high occupancy in airplanes, buses, trains and even cruise ships increase the chance of coming into contact with someone with flu. The anxiety of traveling, lack of exercise and sleep, and limited food choices associated with travel can take a toll on your health.”
Since flu is often transmitted hand-to-hand, travelers should wash their hands often and avoid rubbing their eyes or nose. Dr. Schiller also advises travelers to avoid putting their faces directly on airline-supplied pillows or blankets that haven’t been cleaned. Another general rule for air passengers is to drink at least 4 to 8 ounces of water for every hour of flight time, which keeps the body hydrated and lessens the chance of catching a virus.
For those unfortunate enough to get sick while traveling, many doctors recommend homeopathic medicines to combat the first signs of flu-like symptoms like feeling run down, fever, chills and body aches.
“Because of their inherent safety, I recommend homeopathic medicines like Oscillococcinum as a first course of treatment. In general, homeopathic medicines don’t cause drowsiness and don’t interact with other drugs,” says Dr. Schiller. “Oscillo® works best when taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms, so it’s important to pay close attention to symptoms and, whether on the road or at home, be prepared by having Oscillo on hand.”
Ideal for people on the go, Oscillococcinum dissolves quickly under the tongue and does not require water. Compact and portable, it can conveniently be stored in a travel bag, backpack or purse.
“Travel should be an enjoyable stress-free experience for all involved,” Dr. Schiller says. “Those who take to the roads, rails and skies should take any precautions they can to ensure they are healthy enough to enjoy their time away.”
What Type of Winter Travelers Benefit from Oscillococcinum?
- Vacationers with Busy Itineraries
Oscillo does not cause drowsiness, allowing vacationers to do what they like to do best. - Parents and Children on Holiday TravelOscillo is recommended for children 2 years of age and older with no risk of overdosing. Because it doesn’t mask symptoms, both parents and doctors can detect a more serious condition, should one arise, and respond faster. Additionally, children love the sweet-tasting pellets that dissolve under the tongue.
- College Students on Break or Traveling HomeOscillo is easy to take. No water is necessary. Portable and compact, individual Oscillo doses can be separated and kept in several handy places such as purses, backpacks and travel bags.
- Seniors and “Winter Snowbirds”Oscillo can safely be taken in conjunction with other medications and is not contraindicated with pre-existing conditions.
- Business TravelersOscillo does not cause drowsiness, allowing the business traveler to focus on what’s important.
- Boiron, http://www.oscillo.com/press-room/first-sign-of-flu/
