Staying Well For The Business Traveler

When you do a lot of traveling for work, it is inevitable that you are going to come across an awful lot of sniffling and sneezing passengers. A day or two later, surprise, you have a scratchy throat, or upset stomach, or a fever, and may even have to call in sick. Of course business travelers and executives can't afford to take much sick time so here are some tips for keeping up your immunity up while traveling.

First, wash your hands often! This cannot be stressed enough. Germs make you sick, and hinder your immunity! We should be washing thoroughly after using a public restroom, but also before eating a meal, especially food that requires you to touch it directly. So, you run to the men's or ladies' room a couple of extra times. It is worth it.

It seems silly to say how to wash. After all, we've all been washing our hands since we were kids, right? But do you wash correctly? Wash thoroughly with hot, soapy water for 30 seconds and scrub around tips and between fingers. Rinse thoroughly, and if the faucet isn't on a sensor, turn it off with a clean paper towel or your elbow. Use the clean towel to open the door to leave the room and discard it outside the restroom if you must. Germs linger everywhere! Push open doors with your arms rather than the palm of your hand. Your immune system will thank you.

If a situation requires you not to be conveniently located to a restroom or sink, keep hand sanitizer in your pocket, purse, or briefcase. This will make healthy travel easier and more "sick-free".  It doesn't matter what brand the sanitizer as long as it has at least 60% ethyl alcohol. That will kill most germs. A small bottle of that should be essential for travel.

Another travel essential is a travel packet of disinfectant wipes. You can find them in stores like Target, where they have the travel sizes of shampoo. When you get into a hotel room, use a wipe to clean off the TV remote and phone headset. Again you do not want to be sick, so kill those germs. These places are loaded with germs and are not often cleaned by hotel housekeeping staff.

Furthermore, a good suggestion for the frequent traveler would be to pop a multivitamin/mineral supplement. Many of us skip meals and do not eat such healthy food even when we don't travel, so taking a supplement is certainly a win/win situation.  It doesn't have to be expensive, just complete in order to sustain you in travel and keep you from getting sick. If you tend to be more susceptible to colds, take extra vitamin C, especially while traveling, it will also prevent sickness and boost your immune system.

One last tip, get the flu shot before you travel to prevent getting sick. If you are well when you get it, you will most likely not get sick from it. Many companies provide them free of charge. Your insurance may cover the cost.

Happy and healthy traveling!