Travel and the Common Cold - My Family Travels
sick_woman_888108972

Feed a cold and starve a fever? Or is it starve a cold and feed a fever? Read on to find out the best way to deal with that annoying cold.

The traveler who laments, “Whenever our kids go away, they always come home sick” has cause for concern. The parent who assumes that “catching cold” is more common in winter does, too. Winter travel and the common cold go together because of children’s proximity indoors. Since doctors have isolated more than 200 viruses which contribute to them, it’s easy to see how plane flights, train rides and car trips can become fertile breeding grounds for colds, which are usually caused by a combination of several viruses. (On newer model planes, only 50% of the air is recirculated to save on fuel costs.) Since stress and a poor diet have been proven to weaken the body’s immunities, traveling families should try to plan ahead, depart worry-free, and try to maintain a balanced diet while on the road. 

Cold Prevention

The most prevalent cold virus, the rhinovirus, can be repelled by washing hands often. According to a recent report from AOL’s Parent Soup, in elementary school tests, school children who washed hands regularly had 50% fewer absences due to gastrointestinal ailments and 24% fewer from respiratory illnesses. Other good prevention practices are to avoid rubbing the eyes or nose, keep hands away from the mouth, and use tissues rather than handkerchiefs. Echinacea is an herbal remedy recommended for cold prevention in children as well as adults but it is little help once symptoms have begun. 

Cold Treatment

Non-prescription, over the counter medicines for relieving the nasal congestion, runny nose or cough associated with colds usually contain Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, which may cause sleeplessness or irritability in children. Brands recommended for younger children (ages 2-6), including Triaminic and Pedia Care Infant Drops, should help children feel better with fewer side effects. 

If you’ve never exposed your child to any of these products, try externally-applied symptom relievers with a camphor, menthol or Eucalyptus base, or a homeopathic cure. In Europe, garlic is sold as an OTC cold remedy; elsewhere, travelers can drink two cloves of fresh garlic diced into water or take nutritional supplements containing allicin. Chicken soup is another folk remedy with a scientific basis. Research has shown that inhaling soup vapors and drinking it at half-hour intervals inhibits phlegm production, thins mucus and “washes” cold viruses out of the body. Drinking plenty of fluids rehydrates mucus membranes and prevents dry mouth and sore nasal passages. Vitamin C and zinc lozenges are also touted for minimizing cold symptoms but both remain scientifically unproven. 

Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.

2 Replies to “Travel and the Common Cold”

  • Extra

    This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!

  • htt

    Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!

  • Emily Osment

    Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.

  • allfre

    May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.

  • Dr Balbir Singh Gandhi

    Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!

  • gage

    My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?

    I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!

  • Mo

    excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!

  • cike

    Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.

  • Hynes

    You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.

  • kursus

    WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for

  • Tracy Thomas

    T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.

  • exness

    Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
    Are you certain in regards to the supply?

  • Exness

    Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?

    There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
    Please let me know. Thanks

  • Ashton.I

    Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog

  • Monique

    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.

  • lista

    Great post and straight to the point.

  • Fireworks

    Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.

  • Jill

    An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.

  • Harling

    Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
    I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.

  • Buggy Rental Dubai

    Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???

  • gudang lagu

    It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
    particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
    Thanks

  • htt

    Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
    you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!

  • Urus

    Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!

  • Curtisepu

    They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.

  • guest

    This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa

  • marta

    Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
    article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
    about this. I will send this article to him.
    Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!

  • Anil

    Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!

  • sit

    Thanks verfy interesting blog!

  • pocket

    I was able to find good info from your blog posts.

  • deccanspark

    “MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”

  • oneearthhotels

    Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!

  • photo travel

    There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
    I really like all the points you made.

  • Riya Srivastava

    Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.

  • tuyenhuynh

    Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.

  • vpn

    bookmarked!!, I love your site!