Mileage Run Discussion - Staying Healthy During Mileage Runs: How Do You Do It?

With cold and flu season upon us, how do you stay healthy when on long-haul flights? For business travel, I take the usual precautions-Purell, occasionally Zicam, wash the hands frequently, etc. I am doing a couple of long hauls in Nov/Dec-how do you all stay so healthy (and knowledgeable)? :)

I use sanitizing wet naps. Wipe the arm rests and the tray and the window if I plan to lay my head there and sleep.

I use sanitizing wet naps. Wipe the arm rests and the tray and the window if I plan to lay my head there and sleep.

I use those wipes also. I have seen people wearing masks lately (I'm not that much of a germophobe) but with all the hoopla about swine flu, I can see where some people would be paranoid.

When I travel I always pack a bunch of those Emergen-C or SuperC packs. They're loaded with vitamins and minerals but most importantly electrolytes to keep dehydration down.

I worried about health issues when I started a job that required about 3 hour US flights every other week. Did it for 7 years and was rarely sick. I think maybe when one is exposed to nearly every germ population in a country, one develops all sorts of immunities. So - my prescription is to just keep flying!

On the other hand, I tend to do European trips a couple times a year. Usually manage to bring back some cold thing from those.

Though sometimes on the European ones, it seems like the start of a cold but then just clears up when I get home. I almost think it might be just an allergic reaction to air pollution?

For Asian trips, I'm 3 for 3 though, in terms of some sort of stomach/GI upset. Maybe I ought to take my own prescription and get there more often?

Romelle

I also stay away from tank water, which means no airplane brewed coffee or tea (people usually forget that part). I stay well hydrated with water, either bottled served by an FA or I'll bring empty liter bottles and fill them airside.

I went to China and caught every imaginable flu already. In the words of the emergency room doctor who helped me when it got really bad, "We have a lot of flus you've never heard of here in China."

Nothing really. Simply stay hydrated.

I have several issues I find I have to deal with.

1. Nose bleeds during long flights. During MR's these can be pervasive. I have simply taken some vaseline and coated the inside of my nostrils which keeps them from bleeding.

2. Swollen ankles and feet. In coach this comes up for me. I have to elevate my feet in some fashion during the flight and try and exercise every couple hours at least. I wear compression socks this certainly helps.

3. Stay on one time zone and don't be afraid to pass up on a meal service if you are tired. When your body clock is screwed up you will not eat/drink regularly, at least I don't. Ambien works for me and I try and stick to my home time zone when flying during MR.

I have to resist the temptation to keep booking flight after flight and give myself time to recover in a lounge for a couple hours at least before boarding another long haul. Thus proper scheduling (not overnight) is key for me as well.

Drink water, eat, a multivitamin each day, and walk as much as possible before/in between flights, as much as time allows. This formula works every time.

I tend to use Airborne for a couple days before and after a flight. And always an aspirin daily. DVT? Thanks, no.

I stay drunk the entire mileage run. :p

I never really thought about it. I guess I'm very unhealthy as I tend to eat fast food, drink absurd amounts of Diet Coke, snack often etc.

I have several issues I find I have to deal with.

1. Nose bleeds during long flights. During MR's these can be pervasive. I have simply taken some vaseline and coated the inside of my nostrils which keeps them from bleeding.


Dude, that used to happen to me a lot. I used to just carry a saline nasal spray with me. Just keep your membranes moist and it's not a problem. Somewhere along the line. My nose stopped being prone to bleeding.

If you are prone to frequent nose bleeds, you can have a doctor cauterize it as a more permanent solution.

I stay drunk the entire mileage run. :p

^ +1... :D that and lounge snacks... oh well, need to run a few more miles on the treadmill...

I stay drunk the entire mileage run. :p

+2! a tequila shot here and there kills all the germ! :p

I stay drunk the entire mileage run. :p

Liquor kills all germs.:p

I have several issues I find I have to deal with.

1. Nose bleeds during long flights. During MR's these can be pervasive. I have simply taken some vaseline and coated the inside of my nostrils which keeps them from bleeding.

I second the poster who mentioned saline solution. I have really dry sinuses in the winter and when I fly, and I'm prone to sinus headaches and infections. I also use saline eye drops also and it seems to help.

2. Swollen ankles and feet. In coach this comes up for me. I have to elevate my feet in some fashion during the flight and try and exercise every couple hours at least. I wear compression socks this certainly helps.

When I was in France, I discovered Oenobiol Aquadrainant, which really helps with swelling. Like you, I get 'kankles' when I travel. It ain't pretty. :( Oenobiol is made from grapes, and works better than anything I've ever tried.

Liquor kills all germs.:p

and brain cells, but who's counting?

Timely thread....thanks BOS2DCA for starting this.

Doing my first mr in a week (SEA/SFO/JFK/FLL/JFK/SFO/SEA) and had been thinking about some of the challenges involved, including staying healthy. I believe the hydrating and walking as much as possible in between flights is going to be key to my survival.

Now to figure out how to get all my "necessary" stuff in to one carry-on bag....agh. :D

Thanks,

S

I went to China and caught every imaginable flu already. In the words of the emergency room doctor who helped me when it got really bad, "We have a lot of flus you've never heard of here in China."

China is the breeding ground for all kinds of flus as infections from pigs, birds, chickens, and people all mix as they are living in close and crowded proximity. Throw in a general lack of sanitation and you've got the recipe for some serious bugs. More importantly, if you live there, you basically are more or less immune to everything.




Dude, that used to happen to me a lot. I used to just carry a saline nasal spray with me. Just keep your membranes moist and it's not a problem. Somewhere along the line. My nose stopped being prone to bleeding.

If you are prone to frequent nose bleeds, you can have a doctor cauterize it as a more permanent solution.

I second cauterization.... its not painless but it is very quick. Your doctor can probably do it in 30 with no anasthesia etc. I had mine done several years back and I have had no problems ever since.

I second cauterization.... its not painless but it is very quick. Your doctor can probably do it in 30 with no anasthesia etc. I had mine done several years back and I have had no problems ever since.

I should think about this. I have chronic sinus issues and this sounds like a good option. :)

I second cauterization.... its not painless but it is very quick. Your doctor can probably do it in 30 with no anasthesia etc. I had mine done several years back and I have had no problems ever since.

^ from another happy cauterisation customer!

[/anaesthetist hat off]
As for booze, I find "rye and dry" a very effective therapy!
[/anaesthetist hat on]

Somebody mentioned walking every couple of hours and in the terminal.

While the FAs tend to hate me, I usually get up and pace the plane about every 1/2 hour. Then find somewhere a little out of the way and do some stretching exercises. Also those goofy in-seat exercises.

Then when in a terminal, walk. A lot. If the time available is 1/2 hour or less, all of it. Any time over 1/2 hour, walking at least 1/2 of it.

Romelle

And wear ear plugs the whole flight. I think that continual drone of a plane is hard on one, and the ear plugs help. Or of course those noise canceling ear muffs.

Soft stretchy comfortable clothes.

Health during MRs is vital. The biggest risk is the prolonged immobility. It is vital to keep your body moving. While on board, extend your legs, rotate your ankles, stretch your torso, get up and pace around, etc. Spend an hour or two standing and chatting with a friendly FA in the galley or aisle.

At layover airports, keep moving and avoid sitting! Walk around as much as you can. If possible (and/or obligatory, such as overseas after exiting customs), GO OUTSIDE and get some fresh air. Even 10-15 minutes is refreshing.

I always take 50-100mg of Chelated Zinc per day when I'm traveling. I also carry Zicam with me to take in addition, in case I feel the sore throat coming on. If somebody near you on board is obviously sick and is coughing, sneezing, etc, then turn away and open all the air vents above you to create a "curtain" of air around your head to protect you. It sounds silly, but it works!

Finally, sleep as much as you can, and try to keep to your normal biological clock (particularly for quick-turns).

If you don't want to take alcohol, I've heard of people using Nyquil. Be careful with that stuff and alcohol though. I did that once (not for a MR, but because I was sick) and it did some weird things like made my heart beat really fast preventing me from falling asleep, but yet I felt tired because of the Nyquil. I think the culprit is dextromorphan.

Here's what works for us on prolonged mileage runs:
1. Get as much rest as possible. We don't put redeyes in multi-day mileage runs, always try to get at least 6 hours per night (preferably 8) in a bed in a hotel. You are much more susceptable to colds when run down.
2. No more than 3 days in a row of heavy flying. We consider heavy flying to be more than 12 hours between first scheduled pushback and last scheduled arrival. After 3 of these in a row (which are more like 14 hours than 12, and more like 16 or 18 hours between waking up and going to bed), we take a day off (or two) to have some fun and rest up.
3. Eat healthy. This can be a challenge and take some planning, but it can be done, although there is always the occasional less healthy meal.
4. Walk at least an hour a day (brisk walk). Even if it means sacrificing sleep. Can't do this on an airplane, but we have done a lot of laps in airport terminals.
5. Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids. We stay away from alcohol on mileage runs.
Using these guidelines, we have flown 32,000 butt-in-seat miles in a week with no problems. Just from a psychological point of view, it really helps to do mileage runs with someone else.

Here's what works for us on prolonged mileage runs:
1. Get as much rest as possible. We don't put redeyes in multi-day mileage runs, always try to get at least 6 hours per night (preferably 8) in a bed in a hotel. You are much more susceptable to colds when run down.
2. No more than 3 days in a row of heavy flying. We consider heavy flying to be more than 12 hours between first scheduled pushback and last scheduled arrival. After 3 of these in a row (which are more like 14 hours than 12, and more like 16 or 18 hours between waking up and going to bed), we take a day off (or two) to have some fun and rest up.
3. Eat healthy. This can be a challenge and take some planning, but it can be done, although there is always the occasional less healthy meal.
4. Walk at least an hour a day (brisk walk). Even if it means sacrificing sleep. Can't do this on an airplane, but we have done a lot of laps in airport terminals.
5. Drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids. We stay away from alcohol on mileage runs.
Using these guidelines, we have flown 32,000 butt-in-seat miles in a week with no problems. Just from a psychological point of view, it really helps to do mileage runs with someone else.

Great suggestions-thank you! :)

I am convinced that the swine flu I caught last May was from one of 4 flights I took that week. I am very careful to clean my hands with antibiotic wipes before they get anywhere near my mouth, but I don't think this was avoidable with any precautions. Someone probably coughed 50 rows behind me.

I am convinced that the swine flu I caught last May was from one of 4 flights I took that week. I am very careful to clean my hands with antibiotic wipes before they get anywhere near my mouth, but I don't think this was avoidable with any precautions. Someone probably coughed 50 rows behind me.

Sorry to hear about the swine flu. :( At least you're here to tell us about it. Sometimes all precautions are for naught, especially when the air on the plane is so dry it becomes a great germ conductor. I sometimes use Zicam nasal swabs, but I heard that they can affect your sense of smell.

I stay drunk the entire mileage run. :p
If you are doing domestic EUAs, this isn't much of a joke (as then the alcohol is free!). Yet this fills in the rest of my habit... bring your own bottle, fill airside, then hydrate heavily, and bring your own food (if possible). Stay away from airside food, sleep often, walk as much as you can in the airport, and enjoy.

I second the poster who mentioned saline solution. I have really dry sinuses in the winter and when I fly, and I'm prone to sinus headaches and infections. I also use saline eye drops also and it seems to help.



When I was in France, I discovered Oenobiol Aquadrainant, which really helps with swelling. Like you, I get 'kankles' when I travel. It ain't pretty. :( Oenobiol is made from grapes, and works better than anything I've ever tried.

Dude, that used to happen to me a lot. I used to just carry a saline nasal spray with me. Just keep your membranes moist and it's not a problem. Somewhere along the line. My nose stopped being prone to bleeding.

If you are prone to frequent nose bleeds, you can have a doctor cauterize it as a more permanent solution.


Thanks for the advice guys.^

I make myself as comfortable as possible. I carry my own blankie and pillow, earplugs, water and food (enough to stuff my carry on). Like some, I do airborne and ambien (as it is unfortunately not easy for me to sleep on the plane, yes even on international first). I try not to eat in flight and request not to be disturbed for meals. If I can't sleep, then I have some work materials or do some sketching, knitting etc.

Pepto!

on long haul flights (more than 5 hrs) in J ,but I would do it in Y too, I take my own PJs, and put them on after departure and tuck myself in for the flight even though I rarely sleep on planes, but at least I am comfortable. They are quite tasteful and I do get a few looks, but it sure beats arriving in sticking clothes you have slept in. I change back to regular clothes just before landing.

I really do not know why more people do not do this. The guys in suits are nuts!

Hahaha. Yes. I've always wondered why guys fly in suits. I notice that when flying to Japan or Korea, most of the serious looking guys in economy also flew in suits.

I did notice though when flying to China on Air China several years ago, a lot of people tended to change into PJs. Heck, while driving around Shanghai, it looked like people were moving about the city in their PJs!

Hahaha. Yes. I've always wondered why guys fly in suits. I notice that when flying to Japan or Korea, most of the serious looking guys in economy also flew in suits.

I did notice though when flying to China on Air China several years ago, a lot of people tended to change into PJs. Heck, while driving around Shanghai, it looked like people were moving about the city in their PJs!

I went to a wedding last year and it was going to be soon after I arrived so I flew in a suit. Granted, I didn't put the tie on until I got to my destination and had the jacket folded in the overhead but there are times to do it.

Between the fattening lounge and F/J food, the booze, and the total inactivity my body is a wreck at the end. My suggestion is to plan for a long sleep afterwards and exercise before and after. Also, after a period get off the booze and go to ice water.

I have several issues I find I have to deal with.

1. Nose bleeds during long flights. During MR's these can be pervasive. I have simply taken some vaseline and coated the inside of my nostrils which keeps them from bleeding.

Dude, that used to happen to me a lot. I used to just carry a saline nasal spray with me. Just keep your membranes moist and it's not a problem. Somewhere along the line. My nose stopped being prone to bleeding.

If you are prone to frequent nose bleeds, you can have a doctor cauterize it as a more permanent solution.

For me cauterization seems to wear off after a couple years; I go with vaseline.

Memorable nosebleed story: my first MR, trying to make segment #8 in a 2-day span of 10K BIS. Due to delays I had 17 minutes from wheels down on the inbound to pushback on the outbound. I sprinted from SFO gate 81 to gate 73, made it on the plane, and discovered blood was gushing down my face. I think I frightened some of the other F pax. :D

I take a daily multi-vitamin and echinacea whenever I travel. I also drink a lot of water, to the point that on long haul flights I get up to use the washroom every 1.5-2hrs minimum (unless I'm sleeping). Exercise is also key, walking around in the terminal, and/or on the plane. All of these are important in being able to sleep on a plane and adjusting to time differences / avoiding jet lag.