I have been taking flights out of my city in the morning and return in the evening or morning times. After almost every trip I end up with a sore throat that eventually end up with a mild fever. The doctor says I have throat infection and prescribes antibiotics. I get cured in a weeks time with full rest.

What I have noticed is that while flying out I have no problems but on the return flight I usually suddenly realize that I am feeling very cold even though the overhead vent is closed and people around me wearing half t shirts seem to be absolutely fine. The next day after my return I get scratchy throat with post nasal drip and fever after a day.

I take 1 or 2 trips every month and atleast on one trip I would have this problem.

Anybody had issues like this or any suggestions?

Not quite the answer to the question you asked but have you thought of letting the infection run its course without the antibiotics? Would probably take about the same time and not contribute to the problem of antibiotic resistance.

Not sure how many of these you've had, or over what period, but it's probably just bad luck. Everyone who travels a lot occasionally brings something back, usually because airports are great places for exchanging viruses and full of people carrying strains we've not met at home.

If the trips are for work and you're staying up late, working hard and not drinking enough water, you're probably getting to the end of the trip as fertile ground for an opportunistic infection, so anything you can do to moderate this would probably improve the odds. If they're one-day trips, maybe a little more rest the day before would put you in a better state.

In addition to what Bigfeet said, if it truly is a chronic problem you may wish to consult an ENT specialist to see if there are any underlying anatomic or other medical issues contributing to this.

I usually get an "air-con throat" cold at some point in every monthlong trip to SE Asia, as the heat/humidity makes 'em essential but the thermostats are often faulty. This time I had the last remnants of that when flying back and also got a nasty bout with a stomach virus (at least I hope that's all it was) after being home about 24 hours. It was the kind that saps all your strength and leaves you in bed pretty much all the time, except for bathroom trips. Day #3 and I'm still eating just soup.

Guess I'm lucky they didn't have the heat-sensing cameras on me, as I've seen in places like Malaysia.

Take some Sudafed before the flights to fight off sinus congestion, which could be the cause or a factor (the real pseudoephedrine stuff, not the new formula which doesn't work). Though if it's really this chronic, as mentioned above a visit to an ENT specialist may be in order.

Look after yourself while away - avoid things that sap energy like over-indulging.

Get plenty of rest.

Wash your hands frequently and carry anti-bacterial soap while travelling.

Keep your hands away from your face.

I'm not a doctor (but I play one on the Internet) but I've seen this repeatedly. Experienced it myself. It's usually the result of a dry throat caused by the A/C. If you're getting an actual infection every time you fly, quit flying. But try turning off the A/C vent above your head.

Hmm... Looking back at things, lack of rest and water could be the problem as most of my trips where I got such problems are day trips. Will keep this in mind next time.

I do close off the overhead ac vent and now days instead of aisle I take the window seat to get some sun light.

Thanks

I take 1000mg vitamin C every day. Before I started, I was used to have several episodes of cold/flu per year. Now - less than once a year.

It works in my case. ^

I'm definitely sick with a cold today after landing back from HKG. I rarely get ill, but if I do, it's almost always after a long flight. I'm a big fan of Grapefruit Seed Extract for everything in life - literally, google it, it can be used for countless things. I'm currently giving myself a chug of an ounce of juice with 15 drops 3x throughout the day today and am feeling a bit better already.

Make sure you are not getting dehydrated on your trips - this will cause the dry throat and mild fever and can get worse if not dealt with fast...