With the cold and flu season upon us, I have been researching ways to stay healthy on my long flight from Minneapolis to Honolulu next month. Airplanes are notorious for germs and other ailments, especially on long flights. Here are some tips you should follow.

Move Around – It’s easy just to hunker down with a bunch of movies or a good book, but it’s very important to get up and move around and stretch your legs every hour or two. This will keep the blood moving and prevent blood clots. When sitting in your seat, move your feet, toes, and ankles every now and then.

Drink Water– Drink a lot of water before, during, and after your flight to prevent dehydration. Purchase a bottle of water at the airport to bring on the plane with you so you will have some in between the rounds of the beverage cart. Drinking a lot of water will help you with moving around, as you will need to get up and walk back to the restroom.

Bring Healthy Snacks– Pack some fruits or veggies to bring with you to snack on and try to stay away from the high fat/high sugar foods at the airport.

Can the booze– Forgo the alcohol on the flight and save it for your destination (one of those tropical drinks with the little umbrellas perhaps?). Alcohol is dehydrating, and this lowers your resistance to germs.

Use Hand Sanitizer– Pack a small bottle (3 ounces max) bottle of hand sanitizer in your carryon bag and use it frequently. And keep your hands away from your face.

Boost Your Immune System– A couple weeks before your flight eat more Greek yogurt, stay away from sugary foods, as this will lower your resistance to germs, and up your dose of vitamin C.

If you heed all of this advice and you still end up with a cold, I have found that taking Zicam immediately at the first sign (I always have some in my purse), will seriously lessen the symptoms of a cold. And if you happen to be going to a warm location, hit the beach (or the hotel pool) and soak up the sun – you will feel better!