Dr. Steve Burgess, a physician at a Wyoming hospital, advises travelers to take zinc and vitamin C about two hours before arriving at crowded transit locations like airports and bus stations.
These modes of transportation often bring together many people in confined spaces with recycled air. Factors like stress from traveling, disrupted sleep, and exposure to new surroundings create a “perfect storm” that can compromise the immune system.
It’s important to take supplements that act on reproductive cells within key timeframes, though this is often overlooked. This approach offers a boost to help the body fend off illness when the immune system is under stress.
“Instead of waiting until you’re already drenched, think about raising an umbrella just before the rain starts,” he explains. “These supplements can provide a temporary boost to certain immune functions, but the effects tend to last only a few hours.”
For extended trips with transfers, he suggests adjusting your dosage with every new flight or train, even though documentation might not always justify this.
Dr. Burgess pointed out that there are many common misconceptions among travelers: some might take excessive vitamin doses throughout their journey or criticize airplane air quality while overlooking surface contact risks.
Zinc can help prevent viruses from multiplying in the respiratory system and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It could potentially offer protection against autoimmune disorders and allergies.
Research suggests that taking zinc within 24 hours of symptoms starting can lessen the duration and intensity of a cold.
Another piece of advice is to opt for zinc lozenges rather than tablets since lozenges can directly interact with the throat and respiratory passages where infections often start.
Dr. Burgess recommends a dosage of 15-25 milligrams of zinc along with 500-1000 milligrams of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is beneficial for various immune cell functions that help ward off infections.
“You don’t need fancy supplements or complex routines,” he remarked. “A general, budget-friendly supplementation taken at the appropriate time will suffice.”
He also notes that high doses can lead to digestive issues, and handwashing remains a critical preventative measure.
Staying hydrated is important, too, as it enhances the effectiveness of supplements and helps mitigate the dehydration that can come with flying.
These recommendations come as over 45 million individuals traveled more than 50 miles from home during the recent Memorial Day weekend, with many using planes, trains, buses, and cruises.
