FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - ways to avoid catching colds while flying...?
Old Mar 30, 2012 | 2:47 am
  #8  
BrewerSEA
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 2,574
Originally Posted by Nanook
If the cold is caused by bacteria, not a virus, then you can help it go away with probiotics. They populate your colon with good bacteria that fights the bad stuff. When I fly, I take two or three, and then during the flight, I take one every hour. I haven't had a cold in years, but I also try to be mindful of putting my hands in my eyes or mouth. The probiotic I use is Culturelle, which, they say, is engineered to make it through your stomach acid into the colon. There are other brands on the market. The most it can do it give you a little gas if you're not used to it, but if you start taking it daily, it ceases to become a problem.
Colds are caused by a variety of viruses, not bacteria. Regardless, there is no conclusive evidence that probiotics affect ones immune system at all and claims to the contrary are banned in the United States and the European Union, among other places.

The only proven methods to prevent the spread of colds are frequent hand-washing and the use of face masks.
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