Getting away to the sun and warmth is such a pleasure when it is so cold and bleak in a deep February freeze. But how do you make sure you don’t pick up a nasty bug on the plane surrounded by all the other coughing and sneezing Canucks trying to get the sunshine?
Below is what the StoneTree team recommends. We’ve used this plan on ourselves and our patients for many, many winter trips. It’s simple and it works great!
The day before you get on the plane:
- Book in for an immune-boosting IV. This infusion of vitamins and minerals is high in vitamin C, and super-charges your immune system
The day of the flight:
- Upon waking drink at least 500ml of water
- Take 2 capsules of Echinacea (a double dose of a liquid preparation)
- (For those who cannot take Echinacea you can use oregano oil)
When you get to the airport:
- Once through security buy two 500ml bottles of water
- Put a packet of Emergen-C into each of them. (If you do not have Emergen-C, you can use any other vitamin C at a dose of 1000mg)
- While waiting to board drink one of the bottles
During your flight:
- Take 2 more Echinacea upon boarding
- Drink the 2nd bottle of vitamin C water during the flight.
- Drink as much water as you can throughout the flight. Doing your best to keep your mucous membranes hydrated keeps them strong.
- Avoid sugar, which suppresses the immune system.
Once you arrive at your destination:
- Take your last dose of 2 capsules of Echinacea
- ENJOY your trip!
On the flight home:
- Repeat the same routine as the flight down.
Upon arrival home:
- If you were seating next to a “typhoid Mary” on the plane, you partied more then you rested on your vacation, or you just have that feeling you are fighting something, book in for an immune-boosting IV as soon as you can.
Enjoy your happy, healthy and safe travels!