How to stop post flight flu spoiling your holiday
Always feel sick directly after returning from a holiday? This type of phenomenon is felt by a large portion of people and would be described as holiday flu or plane flu. Why this happens is often a mixture of different things in different people. Many people are curious as to why they always experience holiday flu when returning or initially going on holiday. This blog aims to educate people of different causes and what you can do to help steer yourself away from getting ill before holiday.
What is post-holiday flu?
Although there can be numerous reasons why you may always be getting ill before holiday or always ill on holiday, most of the time it is out of your hands.
Feeling unwell directly after a flight is often the cause of low humidity. Planes have a different atmospheric pressure than we are used to, which can cause the nasal passages to dry, leading to symptoms resembling flu.
This change in pressure can trick the immune system and other bodily defences, leaving them weakened and confused, ultimately making a person feel like they’ve suddenly come down with an illness.
In addition, due to the surrounding conditions, germs can continye to hang around for days or even weeks in an airplane, even after previous passenegers have left.
This means people who are on longer flights are at an increased risk of picking up something unpleasant. If you find yourself always ill on holiday after long flights, this may be the reason why.

How to avoid flu on plane
Knowing how to avoid flu on plane can be beneficial for long-term flight users. Germs and bugs on a plane can circulate for long periods of time. Fortunately for you, many of the COVID-19 precautions designed to halt the spread, should also protect you from seasonal influenza.
- Wear a mask
Flying in the year 2022 or in the near future, wearing a mask will almost certainly be a requirement. Although the mask requirement is to prevent the spread of COVID-19, wearing a mask will also protect you from influenza and other holiday illness.
Respiratory viruses are the most common cause of illness when travelling and are transmitted through the air. Masks somewhat mitigate this but aren’t entirely fool proof. They are more effective when worn by someone who is ill, rather than a healthy person.
- Sanitise regularly
The best way to get rid of bad bacteria and avoid holiday illness is to make sure you sanitise regularly.
For example, this may mean wiping down an area you may be sitting in, along with sanitising your hands to prevent pick up any germs from nearby surfaces.
- Look after your immune system
Make sure your immune system is boosted before a flight and it will give you best chance of avoiding any holiday cough or holiday health issues. Foods and supplements packed with nutrients and vitamins can help boost your immune system.
Multivitamins can also be used to top up on your daily nutrient and vitamin needs whilst away from your day-to-day diet.
- Stay hydrated
As the humidity drops in the plane, the body will use the water it has available for important bodily functions. Consequently, it’s very easy to get dehydrated when flying, causing you to feel rough. Always carry a water bottle with you when flying or travelling, and ensure that it is continuously topped up.
Getting ill before holiday
Just as you’re getting ready for that well needed break…illness strikes. First of all, don’t stress. Stressing too much about it will probably make things worse. Loosing sleep is one of the worst things you could possibly do when fighting a bug.
The most important thing you can do if you feel yourself getting ill before holiday is rest. Sleeping allows the body to more effectively fight off infections – so getting as much sleep as possible is one of the best things you can do if you feel like you are getting ill before holiday.

Getting ill on holiday
Sometimes no matter how hard you try and avoid illness whilst abroad, you still find yourself coming down with something. It is never something you want to happen, but instead of resting on your laurels, there is still plenty of ways for you to get back to feeling your best. Remember, as long as it isn’t something that makes you bed bound, most of the time there are ways to reduce and relieve symptoms.
The common holiday cough will require plenty of warm liquids, a dose of over-the-counter meds and rest. Taking these three tips seriously will make sure you are well on your way to recovery. Even though resting will make you miss out on things you want to do, it will get you back out there quicker, and less of the trip will be wasted.
Getting ill on holiday can happen to anyone, at any time. Just take things in your stride, have some advanced preparation just in case, and if it does happen – manage your symptoms.
Health and holidays
Remember to always have a plan in place. Always be ready for scenarios where your health and holidays may not mix well, and what you’ll do when sickness may arrive. Planning in advance is the best way to limit stress and prevent further illness from taking hold.
It’s also important to maintain a healthy balance of sleep during your holiday. Not getting enough sleep can leave your immune system exposed, greatly increasing the chances of getting ill on holiday. If you are someone who regularly exercises, try to also maintain activity levels during your time off.
So, to top it all off, to achieve health and holidays make sure you; sleep well, eat well, hydrate well, exercise well and relax well.
