How to tell when you’re too sick to fly

Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Flu and cold seasons are officially upon us — complicating the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

In the past, you may have shrugged off mild symptoms like a sniffly nose or a tickle in your throat. But now, you can't board an airplane without certifying you don't have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a cough and more.

Beyond what the airlines may specify, travelers should watch for a laundry list of symptoms specified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Muscle or body aches
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting

Travelers need to be extremely mindful about even the most innocuous ailments now, as they could be an indication of COVID-19. But, even in normal times — or if the coronavirus isn't detected by a COVID-19 test — it's important to prioritize your health and the health of others. Here's why you should never board a flight if you're feeling sick.

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You have a fever

A good rule of thumb is to never fly when you have a fever, according to New York-based internist Dr. Frank Contacessa.

In addition to indicating a possible COVID-19 infection, a fever could also present itself if you have the flu .

"Having a fever, in general, will accelerate fluid loss from your body," Dr. Contacessa told TPG in 2019. "The very low humidity of the cabin air will dehydrate you even faster. Dehydration makes you feel even worse, increasing weakness, headaches, lightheadedness, etc."

You're vomiting

(Photo by martin-dm/Getty Images)

Sure, there might be vomit bags in the seatback pocket. But if you're throwing up before you get to the airport, it's a clear indication you need to delay your travels.

"If you have a fever over 100.4 degrees or are experiencing vomiting, there's a really good chance that you're contagious," Dr. Nate Favini, medical lead at Forward (a membership-based preventive care clinic), told TPG in 2019.

Related: It's flu season — here's how to avoid getting sick on a plane

You're short of breath

"The pressurized cabin air has less oxygen, which can make you feel short of breath if your airways are already inflamed from an infection," said Dr. Contacessa.

Dr. Favini added, "Flying is stressful on your body and your immune system in particular, so it can reduce your ability to fight off an infection. The air onboard is incredibly dry, and even healthy people end up extremely dehydrated at the end of their flight. You may end up being sicker or sick for longer because of flying while ill."

You could still be contagious

Back in 2019, before the coronavirus was a known threat, Dr. Favini told TPG that travelers experiencing any flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea — are still contagious.

Even if it's not the coronavirus making you ill, you can still infect someone up to 6 feet away .

Related: How to boost your immune system so you don't get sick while traveling

You have ear pain

Something as minor as ear pain might also be reason enough to avoid flying. You know how your ears sometimes pop during taking off or landing? Well, if you have ear pain and pressure, then that brief moment of discomfort can become severe.

"The changes in pressure during the flight can cause your eardrum to burst if you have an ear infection and it's not properly treated before you take off," said Dr. Favini.

Your heart is racing

(Photo by PeopleImages/Getty Images)

Even if you don't have the sniffles or more obvious symptoms of being sick , there is one tell-tale warning sign that you absolutely shouldn't fly. If you do, you could experience a serious medical emergency.

"If you're experiencing chest pain or a racing heartbeat, especially if this is new or severe, don't get on your flight," said Dr. Favini. "This can be a sign of a life-threatening medical condition, and even if the pilot does land your flight, it might not be fast enough for you to get the help you need. The same goes for shortness of breath."

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

When you can fly again

OK, let's say you've determined you're too sick to fly. When can you reschedule your trip?

"If you do change your plans and postpone your trip, you should wait until you have been without a fever for at least 24 to 48 hours," said Dr. Contacessa back in 2019.

And, of course, if you've been diagnosed with COVID-19, most airlines will ask you to delay travel for at least 14 days after testing positive. Some will require even a longer period of time since your diagnosis.

The CDC says you can be around others 10 days after symptoms first appear and 24 hours without a fever, and any other symptoms have improved.

Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman.

Plane Insider: What should you do if you feel sick while flying?

John Walton

May 27, 2018 • 3 min read

Pass the sick bag

Pass the sick bag

Many travellers feel unwell in the air from time to time, but a bit of knowledge and preparation can help you to feel better – both in advance and if you start feeling ill.

Pass the sick bag

First, off, though: I’m an aviation journalist, not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice, so if you’re concerned at all please do seek the counsel of a qualified medical professional like a pharmacist, nurse or physician.

On the plane, if you’re queasy that airsickness bag is there for you, but a top tip is to have your eye on two of them rather than just one. That way you can seal one after use rather than having to use it a second time. Once used, hand it to a member of the crew, and for goodness’ sake, don’t just pop it in the seatback and forget about it. Yes, that does happen!

If you’re prone to feeling unwell when you’re in a car or boat, consider popping to see your doctor or a pharmacist in advance and picking up either an over­ the counter remedy or something stronger on prescription.

I know that some cruise lines that venture into choppier waters hand out candied ginger to passengers as a way both to ward off motion sickness in advance and to treat it when it’s underway.

Sick woman on a plane

Sometimes, turbulence can trigger motion sickness, so be aware if you’re travelling on a summer afternoon in particular that bumpy skies are a bit more prevalent during those periods. If you know you’re sensitive, a pre­emptive pill or a little bit of candied ginger, while you’re still on the ground and feeling well, is a smart life choice here!

If you start to feel unwell, one suggestion from Emirates is to “equalise your ear pressure. Changes in cabin pressure, especially during ascent and descent, can sometimes cause mild pain in the ears. Equalise by swallowing or sucking a sweet.” That’s one of the reasons why a few airlines still pass out a boiled sweet or hard candy just prior to descent.

The action of chewing can also help here, so a bit of gum or a chewy sweet can be very helpful. A bit of sugar can also help you settle that tummy and feel a bit better, so I tend to go for the chewy sweet option, whether minty or fruity in flavour — a tube of those fits neatly in the old carry­on bag. “ Babies and infants may suffer more acutely , so provide something for them to suck on – e.g. a pacifier/comforter/soother,” a spokesman for Emirates also suggests.

Baby sucking a pacifier

The cabin crew are here for your safety and wellbeing, so do feel free to approach them if you’re feeling peaky. They have a variety of over­the­counter headache pills, band­aids, and other things you might expect to find in a first aid kit.

And take heart if things get more serious: crew are trained extensively in the event of an emergency. “All Emirates aircraft carry extensive onboard medical kits including a selection of commonly used drugs, intravenous fluids, resuscitation equipment, first aid items,and even equipment to handle onboard deliveries of babies. They meet all the regulatory requirements for onboard medical kits,” says the Dubai ­based airline.

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Motion sickness.

Last Updated June 2023 | This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Deepak S. Patel, MD, FAAFP, FACSM

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What is motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a sick feeling triggered by movement. It occurs in cars, buses, trains, planes, or boats. It can occur on amusement rides or virtual reality experiences. Seeing the movement of others or things can trigger it. This condition is not life-threatening, however, it can make traveling unpleasant. Planning ahead helps prevent, avoid, or reduce the effects. Other triggers include:

  • Being in the back seat of a car unable to see the horizon
  • Reading in the car
  • Not getting enough air in the car

Motion sickness is common in older people, pregnant women, and children between the ages of 5 and 12. Also, it’s common in people who have migraine headaches. It may be genetic. Once the motion stops, you’ll gradually feel better. In rare cases, the condition is triggered by a problem with your inner ear. This could be due to fluid buildup or an ear infection. Parkinson’s disease is another cause of the condition.

Symptoms can strike without warning. They can get worse quickly. You may feel sick to your stomach (nausea). Other symptoms include vomiting, pale skin, headache, a cold sweat, dizziness, and irritability.

What causes motion sickness?

Motion sickness is an imbalance between what you see and what you feel. In the car, the car is moving forward. However, your body is standing still. This imbalance is what causes you to feel sick.

You may notice a pattern of sickness when you travel. See your doctor if you experience motion sickness repeatedly. Your doctor will do a physical exam. They will look inside your ears and at your eyes. Your doctor will ask you questions about your health history before recommending treatment.

Prevention Tips

If you know you get motion sickness when traveling, plan ahead. These steps can prevent it or relieve the symptoms:

  • Take motion sickness medicine one to two hours before traveling.
  • Choose the right seat. The front passenger seat is best in the car. Choose the midpoint on a boat. Sit over the wing on a plane. Face forward on a train. Sit near a window on a train. These seats have fewer bumps. They allow you to see the horizon. If you are on a cruise, book a cabin in the front or middle of the ship. Request a room that is closest to the water level.
  • Get plenty of air. Use the air conditioner or roll down the window in a car. Direct the vent toward you on a plane. Sit near a window when you’re on a covered boat.
  • Avoid things you can’t change. For example, don’t ride on a speed boat. Waves and bumps can make you sick. If you can’t avoid it, take medicine in advance.
  • Don’t read while riding in a car, plane, or boat. Look out the window at the horizon. Look at a distant object.
  • Lie down when you feel sick.
  • Avoid a heavy meal before or during travel. Eat small portions of plain food instead. Don’t eat greasy, spicy, or acidic foods before or during travel.
  • Drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol.
  • Talk to your doctor about different therapies. This might include pressure bands (worn on your wrist).

If your symptoms last longer than a few days, see your doctor.

Common medicines that treat motion sickness include Benadryl, Dramamine, and scopolamine. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends scopolamine. It eases nausea and vomiting. It does not make you sleepy. A skin patch works best.

Antihistamines (one brand name: Benadryl) are helpful. However, these usually make you sleepy. Non-drowsy antihistamines are not effective in treating or preventing motion sickness. Another type of medicine is called antiemetics. These are used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Some of these medicines are prescription. Some are available over-the-counter. Talk to your doctor to determine which is best for you. These medicines work best when taken before you travel.

Once nausea begins, eat a few, plain crackers and drink clear, fizzy drinks (ginger ale is best) to relieve nausea.

Living with motion sickness

Planning ahead is the best advice for motion sickness. If your symptoms are mild, medicines are effective. Be sure to carry the proper medications with you while traveling.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Can medicine help after the symptoms start?
  • Is motion sickness a sign of a more serious health problem?
  • Can I take motion sickness medicine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
  • Are motion sickness medicines safe to take with other medicines?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Motion Sickness

National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Motion Sickness

Last Updated: August 11, 2021

This article was contributed by: familydoctor.org editorial staff and Alex Rice

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Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

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What to do if you get sick while traveling to another country

  • Getting sick when you're away from home can be scary.
  • Take preventative measures before your trip to prepare yourself in the instance that you might catch a cold, get the stomach flu, or have an allergic reaction.
  • If you need to go to the hospital, there are resources to help you find the right doctor.
  • INSIDER spoke with Dr. Scott Weisenberg, MD to gather tips on what to do when you get sick abroad.
  • Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories. 

Insider Today

It might feel like the end of the world when you're sick — and that feeling is especially magnified when you're away from home and not feeling well. Before your trip, it's important to take preventative measures in the instance that you might get sick. That means talking to your doctor or stocking up on the appropriate medicines before you jump on the plane.

But sometimes the inevitable happens and you catch a cold cold, battle the stomach flu, or have an allergic reaction anyway. We spoke with Dr. Scott Weisenberg, MD who specializes in Infectious Disease and Immunology at NYU Langone to help us pinpoint what to do when you get sick abroad. Here's what he suggests.

Take preventative measures before your trip

"The best strategy is to anticipate what common or serious health issues could occur during travel, and to come up with strategies in advance for what to do during a mild or acute illness," Dr. Weisenberg told INSIDER.

Be prepared before you leave home by stocking up on current medications, cold and flu medicines, stomach medicines, wipes, ibuprofen, and a first aid kit with a thermometer. It's also a good idea to pack a copy of your updated medical information, including shots, past surgeries, allergies, and blood type.

"The individual risks will depend on the destination, activities planned during travel, and baseline health status of the traveler," said Dr. Weisneberg. "A pre-travel doctor's visit will identify if a traveler is at risk for serious diseases, such as malaria, and come up with strategies to reduce the risk of travel-associated illness."

Visit the CDC website to get a sense of possible health risks you might face in the destination you're heading to. This will tell you if you need certain vaccinations (such as influenza, hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever) or prophylactic medications before you enter another country. Consult your healthcare physician to let him or her know of your travel plans.

It's important to have travel or medical insurance set up before your trip

Check whether your current health insurance plan covers you in the instance that you need medical assistance in a different country. If it does not, travel insurance is a smart investment .

Squaremouth.com is a travel insurance comparison site to help you navigate these confusing waters. Try to pick a travel insurance company that specifies in its policy that you can make a claim in the instance that you require special medical needs. The insurance company can also be a resource in helping you find a doctor overseas.  

"For travelers who purchase travel medical health i nsurance (or if it's available via their own health insurance), it may have networks of providers, as well as provide assistance in accessing appropriate care," Dr. Weisenberg told INSIDER.

When should you decide it's time to go to the hospital?

Obviously, there are different levels of getting sick overseas. It can be a cold from being in a different environment, stomach upset from eating unfamiliar food, or a bad reaction to an insect bite. However you're feeling, you need to assess what your specific risks are.

"If someone is in a malaria-endemic region and has an unexplained fever, I would have a very low threshold to seek medical care to exclude malaria, as well as other causes of acute febrile illness such as typhoid," explained Dr. Weisenberg. "Acute symptoms that are potentially life-threatening, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, should always prompt immediate medical assessment."

In the instance that you are less sick but still worried about your overall situation, contact your healthcare physician back home via patient messaging, email, or phone call. Dr. Weisenberg said you should clarify in advance whether your doctor could be a resource during travel, and what the typical response time to messages would be.

In a situation where you might need hospital care in a different country, there are resources to help you find a doctor that speaks your language

Dr. Weisenberg provided us with a list of resources in case you're in a non-English speaking country and need to see a doctor.

  • "For hospital care, there are hospitals around the world that have received accreditation from the Joint Commission International . If there is no local hospital listed on the JCI website, the best option is to call the local US Embassy and ask for recommended health care facilities." Accreditation from the JCI means that the hospital passed its test for providing patients with the best level of care.
  • "For outpatient issues, particularly related to travel medicine, the International Society of Travel Medicine maintains a database of practices around the world." This resource allows you to search for the closest clinic in the country you're in.
  • "The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers is an organization that provides English speaking doctors. Membership is required to access their services, with a suggested donation during registration." IAMAT is an overall resource for finding solutions to your health questions overseas, no matter how big or small.
  • If you speak another language besides English, you can also use resources like Tripmedic . 

If you decide not to go to the hospital, but were able to find what you need at a pharmacy, give yourself a few days to recover

Most countries have pharmacies where you can talk to a pharmacist about what's making you feel ill. They can help you find the right medication to get you back on track. Give yourself time to recover depending on your symptoms and what you're taking treatment for.

"If a traveler has an acute febrile illness (such as a sudden fever) and is given medication for a disease such as typhoid or malaria, he or she should have a low threshold to return for additional assessment if they are not improving in the next day," Dr. Weisenberg told INSIDER. "If it is diarrhea and the person is otherwise well, you should wait five or six days to see if it goes away."

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  • Main content

Motion sickness

Motion sickness is feeling dizzy, or feeling or being sick when travelling by car, boat, plane or train. You can do things to prevent it or relieve the symptoms.

Check if you have motion sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness may include:

  • feeling sick (nausea)
  • feeling cold and going pale

How to ease motion sickness yourself

Do reduce motion – sit in the front of a car or in the middle of a boat look straight ahead at a fixed point, such as the horizon breathe fresh air if possible – for example, by opening a car window close your eyes and breathe slowly while focusing on your breathing distract children by talking, listening to music or singing songs break up long journeys to get some fresh air, drink water or take a walk try ginger, which you can take as a tablet, biscuit or tea don’t.

do not read, watch films or use electronic devices

do not look at moving objects, such as passing cars or rolling waves

do not eat heavy meals, spicy foods or drink alcohol shortly before or during travel

do not go on fairground rides if they make you feel unwell

A pharmacist can help with motion sickness

You can buy remedies from pharmacies to help prevent motion sickness, including:

  • tablets – dissolvable tablets are available for children
  • patches – can be used by adults and children over 10
  • acupressure bands – these do not work for everyone

A pharmacist will be able to recommend the best treatment for you or your child.

Causes of motion sickness

Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train.

The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Page last reviewed: 19 June 2023 Next review due: 19 June 2026

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  • Motion sickness: First aid

Any type of transportation can cause motion sickness. It can strike suddenly, progressing from a feeling of uneasiness to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. It usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.

You might avoid motion sickness by planning ahead. When traveling, avoid sitting in the rear of the vehicle or in seats that face backward. Pick seats where you'll feel motion least:

  • By ship, request a cabin in the front or middle of the ship near the water level.
  • By plane, ask for a seat over the front edge of a wing. Once aboard, direct the air vent flow to your face.
  • By train, take a forward-facing seat near the front and next to a window.
  • By automobile, drive or sit in the front passenger's seat. Children should be in age-appropriate seats and restraints.

If you're susceptible to motion sickness:

  • Focus on the horizon or on a distant, stationary object. Don't read or use electronic devices while traveling.
  • Keep your head still, while resting against a seat back.
  • Don't smoke and don't sit near smokers.
  • Avoid strong odors, spicy and greasy foods, and alcohol.
  • Take an antihistamine, which you can buy without a prescription. Medicines include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine, Driminate, others) and meclizine (Dramamine Less Drowsy, Travel-Ease, others). Dimenhydrinate is safe for children older than age 2. Take these medicines at least 30 to 60 minutes before you travel. Expect drowsiness as a side effect.
  • Consider scopolamine, available in a prescription adhesive patch called Transderm Scop. Several hours before you plan to travel, apply the patch behind your ear for 72-hour protection. Talk to your health care provider before using the medicine if you have health problems such as glaucoma or urine retention.
  • Try ginger. A ginger supplement combined with ginger snaps, ginger ale or candied ginger might help curb nausea.
  • Eat lightly. Some people find that nibbling on plain crackers and sipping cold water or a carbonated drink without caffeine help.
  • Ferri FF. Motion sickness. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
  • Bennett JE, et al. Protection of travelers. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
  • Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
  • Motion sickness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/motion-sickness. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.
  • Kc Leung A, et al. Motion sickness: An overview. Drugs in Context. 2019; doi:10.7573/dic.2019-9-4.
  • Dimenhydrinate oral. Facts & Comparisons eAnswers. https://fco.factsandcomparisons.com. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022.

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Motion Sickness Travel Sickness

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Motion sickness (travel sickness) is common, especially in children. It is caused by repeated unusual movements during travelling, which send strong (sometimes confusing) signals to the balance and position sensors in the brain.

Motion Sickness

Travel sickness, in this article, what causes motion sickness, how long does motion sickness last, motion sickness symptoms, how to stop motion sickness, natural treatments for motion sickness, motion sickness medicines, what can a doctor prescribe for motion sickness.

  • What should I do if I'm actually sick?

What is mal de debarquement syndrome?

Motion sickness is a normal response to repeated movements, such as going over bumps or around in a circle, send lots of messages to your brain. If you are inside a vehicle, particularly if you are focused on things that are inside the vehicle with you then the signals that your eyes send to the brain may tell it that your position is not changing, whilst your balance mechanisms say otherwise.

Your balance mechanisms in your inner ears sense different signals to those that your eyes are seeing which then sends your brain mixed, confusing messages. This confusion between messages then causes people to experience motion sickness.

Is motion sickness normal?

Motion sickness is a normal response that anyone can have when experiencing real or perceived motion. Although all people can develop motion sickness if exposed to sufficiently intense motion, some people are rarely affected while other people are more susceptible and have to deal with motion sickness very often.

Triggers for motion sickness

Motion sickness can also be triggered by anxiety or strong smells, such as food or petrol. Sometimes trying to read a book or a map can trigger motion sickness. Both in children and adults, playing computer games can sometimes cause motion sickness to occur.

Motion sickness is more common in children and also in women. Fortunately, many children grow out of having motion sickness. It is not known why some people develop motion sickness more than others. Symptoms can develop in cars, trains, planes and boats and on amusement park rides, etc.

Symptoms typically go when the journey is over; however, not always. In some people they last a few hours, or even days, after the journey ends.

There are various symptoms of motion sickness including::

  • Feeling sick (nausea and vomiting).
  • Sweating and cold sweats.
  • Increase in saliva.
  • Headaches .
  • Feeling cold and going pale.
  • Feeling weak.

Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following.

Prepare for your journey

  • Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.
  • On long journeys, try breaking the journey to have some fresh air, drink some cold water and, if possible, take a short walk.

For more in-depth advice on travelling generally, see the separate leaflets called Health Advice for Travel Abroad , Travelling to Remote Locations , Ears and Flying (Aeroplane Ear) , Jet Lag and Altitude Sickness .

Plan where you sit

  • Keep motion to a minimum. For example, sit in the front seat of a car, over the wing of a plane, or on deck in the middle of a boat.
  • On a boat, stay on deck and avoid the cafeteria or sitting where your can smell the engines.

Breathe fresh air

  • Breathe fresh air if possible. For example, open a car window.
  • Avoid strong smells, particularly petrol and diesel fumes. This may mean closing the window and turning on the air conditioning, or avoiding the engine area in a boat.

Use your eyes and ears differently

  • Close your eyes (and keep them closed for the whole journey). This reduces 'positional' signals from your eyes to your brain and reduces the confusion.
  • Don't try to read.
  • Try listening to an audio book with your eyes closed. There is some evidence that distracting your brain with audio signals can reduce your sensitivity to the motion signals.
  • Try to sleep - this works mainly because your eyes are closed, but it is possible that your brain is able to ignore some motion signals when you are asleep.
  • Do not read or watch a film.
  • It is advisable not to watch moving objects such as waves or other cars. Don't look at things your brain expects to stay still, like a book inside the car. Instead, look ahead, a little above the horizon, at a fixed place.
  • If you are the driver you are less likely to feel motion sickness. This is probably because you are constantly focused on the road ahead and attuned to the movements that you expect the vehicle to make. If you are not, or can't be, the driver, sitting in the front and watching what the driver is watching can be helpful.

Treat your tummy gently

  • Avoid heavy meals and do not drink alcohol before and during travelling. It may also be worth avoiding spicy or fatty food.
  • Try to 'tame your tummy' with sips of a cold water or a sweet, fizzy drink. Cola or ginger ale are recommended.

Try alternative treatments

  • Sea-Bands® are acupressure bands that you wear on your wrists to put pressure on acupressure points that Chinese medicine suggests affects motion sickness. Some people find that they are effective.
  • Homeopathic medicines seem to help some people, and will not make you drowsy. The usual homeopathic remedy is called 'nux vom'. Follow the instructions on the packet.

Off on holiday?

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All the techniques above which aim to prevent motion sickness will also help reduce it once it has begun. Other techniques, which are useful on their own to treat motion sickness but can also be used with medicines if required, are:

  • Breathe deeply and slowly and, while focusing on your breathing, listening to music. This has been proved to be effective in clinical trials.
  • Ginger - can improve motion sickness in some people (as a biscuit or sweet, or in a drink).

There are several motion sickness medicines available which can reduce, or prevent, symptoms of motion sickness. You can buy them from pharmacies or, in some cases, get them on prescription. They work by interfering with the nerve signals described above.

Medicines are best taken before the journey. They may still help even if you take them after symptoms have begun, although once you feel sick you won't absorb medicines from the stomach very well. So, at this point, tablets that you put against your gums, or skin patches, are more likely to be effective.

Hyoscine is usually the most effective medicine for motion sickness . It is also known as scopolamine. It works by preventing the confusing nerve messages going to your brain.

There are several brands of medicines which contain hyoscine - they also come in a soluble form for children. You should take a dose 30-60 minutes before a journey; the effect can last up to 72 hours. Hyoscine comes as a patch for people aged 10 years or over. (This is only available on prescription - see below.) Side-effects of hyoscine include dry mouth , drowsiness and blurred vision.

Side-effects of motion sickness medicines

Some medicines used for motion sickness may cause drowsiness. Some people are extremely sensitive to this and may find that they are so drowsy that they can't function properly at all. For others the effects may be milder but can still impair your reactions and alertness. It is therefore advisable not to drive and not to operate heavy machinery if you have taken them. In addition, some medicines may interfere with alcohol or other medication; your doctor or the pharmacist can advise you about this.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can also be useful , although they are not quite as effective as hyoscine. However, they usually cause fewer side-effects. Several types of antihistamine are sold for motion sickness. All can cause drowsiness, although some are more prone to cause it than others; for example, promethazine , which may be of use for young children on long journeys, particularly tends to cause drowsiness. Older children or adults may prefer one that is less likely to cause drowsiness - for example, cinnarizine or cyclizine.

Remember, if you give children medicines which cause drowsiness they can sometimes be irritable when the medicines wear off.

See the separate article called How to manage motion sickness .

There are a number of anti-sickness medicines which can only be prescribed by your doctor. Not all of them always work well for motion sickness, and finding something that works may be a case of trial and error. All of them work best taken up to an hour before your journey, and work less well if used when you already feel sick. See also the separate leaflet called Nausea (Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment) for more detailed information about these medicines .

Hyoscine patch

Hyoscine, or scopolamine, patches are suitable for adults and for children over 10 years old. The medicine is absorbed through your skin, although this method of medicine delivery is slow so the patch works best if applied well before your journey.

You should stick the patch on to the skin behind the ear 5-6 hours before travelling (often this will mean late on the previous night) and remove it at the end of the journey.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a prescription-only medicine which works by changing the actions of the chemicals that control the tendency to be sick (vomit), in your brain. One form of prochlorperazine is Buccastem®, which is absorbed through your gums and does not need to be swallowed. Buccastem® tastes rather bitter but it can be effective for sickness when you are already feeling sick, as it doesn't have to be absorbed by the stomach.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a tablet used to speed up the emptying of your tummy. Slow emptying of the tummy is something that happens when you develop nausea and vomiting, so metoclopramide can help prevent this. It prevents nausea and vomiting quite effectively in some people. It can occasionally have unpleasant side-effects, particularly in children (in whom it is not recommended). Metoclopramide is often helpful for those who tend to have gastric reflux, those who have slow tummy emptying because of previous surgery, and those who have type 1 diabetes. Your GP will advise whether metoclopramide is suitable for you.

Domperidone

Domperidone , like metoclopramide, is sometimes used for sickness caused by slow tummy emptying. It is not usually recommended for motion sickness but is occasionally used if other treatments don't help. Domperidone is not a legal medicine in some countries, including the USA.

Ondansetron

Ondansetron is a powerful antisickness medicine which is most commonly used for sickness caused by chemotherapy, and occasionally used for morning sickness in pregnancy. It is not usually effective for motion sickness. This, and its relatively high cost means that it is not prescribed for motion sickness alone. However, for those undergoing chemotherapy, and for those who have morning sickness aggravated by travel, ondansetron may be helpful.

What should I do if I'm actually sick?

If you're actually sick you may find that this relieves your symptoms a little, although not always for very long. If you've been sick:

  • Try a cool flannel on your forehead, try to get fresh air on your face and do your best to find a way to rinse your mouth to get rid of the taste.
  • Don't drink anything for ten to twenty minutes (or it may come straight back), although (very) tiny sips of very cold water, coke or ginger ale may help.
  • After this, go back to taking all the prevention measures above.
  • Once you reach your destination you may continue to feel unwell. Sleep if you can, sip cold iced water, and - when you feel ready - try some small carbohydrate snacks. Avoid watching TV (more moving objects to watch!) until you feel a little better.

The sensation called 'mal de debarquement' (French for sickness on disembarking) refers to the sensation you sometimes get after travel on a boat, train or plane, when you feel for a while as though the ground is rocking beneath your feet. It is probably caused by the overstimulation of the balance organs during your journey. It usually lasts only an hour or two, but in some people it can last for several days, particularly after a long sea journey. It does not usually require any treatment.

Persistent mal de debarquement syndrome is an uncommon condition in which these symptoms may persist for months or years.

Dr Mary Lowth is an author or the original author of this leaflet.

Altitude Sickness

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Further reading and references

Leung AK, Hon KL ; Motion sickness: an overview. Drugs Context. 2019 Dec 138:2019-9-4. doi: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-4. eCollection 2019.

Spinks A, Wasiak J ; Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011 Jun 15(6):CD002851.

Zhang LL, Wang JQ, Qi RR, et al ; Motion Sickness: Current Knowledge and Recent Advance. CNS Neurosci Ther. 2016 Jan22(1):15-24. doi: 10.1111/cns.12468. Epub 2015 Oct 9.

Lackner JR ; Motion sickness: more than nausea and vomiting. Exp Brain Res. 2014 Aug232(8):2493-510. doi: 10.1007/s00221-014-4008-8. Epub 2014 Jun 25.

Van Ombergen A, Van Rompaey V, Maes LK, et al ; Mal de debarquement syndrome: a systematic review. J Neurol. 2016 May263(5):843-854. doi: 10.1007/s00415-015-7962-6. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Related Information

  • Hyoscine for travel sickness (Joy Rides, Kwells, Scopoderm)
  • Scopolamine skin patch for nausea (Transderm Scop)
  • Nausea Medicine
  • Cyclizine for sickness (nausea)
  • Promethazine (Avomine, Phenergan, Sominex)

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For about the past 2 years I have suffered from a sudden feeling of visual imbalance or cross-eyed sensation (although not actually cross-eyed)! This in turn causes a type of vertigo involving loss... katewarn39

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions .

5 Reasons You Always Get Sick When You Travel—And How To Stay Healthy

preview for 7 Spectacular Places to Travel in 2023

This is a common complaint, says Michael Angarone, DO, assistant professor of infectious disease at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. "The infections people get most frequently when they travel are viral upper respiratory infections—sinus congestion, cough, sore throats," he says. (Discover the ONE simple, natural solution that can help you reverse chronic inflammation and heal more than 45 diseases. Try The Whole Body Cure today!)

But vacations are supposed to be rejuvenating—so what gives? Here, Angarone explains some of the most frequent causes of travel ailments and how to offset your risks.

1. Airports and train stations are cesspools of viruses.

airports

Mass transit is the likeliest culprit behind vacation sniffles. "You're around more people than usual, in an enclosed space," says Angarone. In airplanes, for example, "the air gets filtered out, but you're sitting with a lot of other people in close proximity, so if the person next to you has a virus and they're sneezing or coughing, that increases your chances of becoming infected." (We all know sneezing spreads germs, but see just how far your sneeze travels .)

Wondering if the cabin pressure is also messing with your sinuses? Angarone says it might make you temporarily congested, but that sensation generally wears off within a couple hours of landing and it doesn't increase your chances of actually getting sick.

Best defense: If you're traveling during flu season (October-April in the Northern Hemisphere), get vaccinated, advises Angarone. And if you're headed to a foreign country, you should also pack common cold remedies , since it may be difficult to find your favorites abroad. Remember that public surfaces are covered in germs, so make sure to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching them and before touching your face or mouth.

2. Foreign countries can be home to foreign diseases.

foreign countries and diseases

It's easy to underestimate threats that are still prevalent elsewhere in the world if they're not so common where you live. For example, says Angarone, we don't see a lot of malaria and typhoid in the US, so they might not be on your radar—but depending on where you're headed, they should be. Same goes for zika and a slew of other potentially dangerous viruses, bacteria, and parasites. (Find out what your actual risk of getting a mosquito-borne illness is .)

Best defense: Well before your departure (ideally at least a few months), do a little detective work to figure out which illnesses you might be exposed to during your travels and whether there are any preventative measures you ought to take. CDC.gov publishes a comprehensive list of travel notices called the Yellow Book; use it to see which infections are endemic to your destination and get a list of recommended vaccinations . "See your physician or a travel physician to find out if you're up-to-date on your vaccines or need to take a [preventative] medication," says Angarone.

MORE: 5 Signs You're Not Getting Enough Vitamin D

3. Tap water can be shady.

be weary of tap water

"In some areas, water may be contaminated," says Angarone, and drinking it can cause a variety of ailments, including diarrheal illnesses. As a foreigner, you might also be more sensitive to tap water contaminants than locals because your gut simply isn't used to the same strains of microbes. (Contaminated water aside, here are 5 times you shouldn't drink water. )

Best defense: Before your trip, consult CDC.gov about whether it's safe to drink from the tap at your destination. If it's not, stick to bottled water and pack an anti-motility agent like Lomotil or Pepto-Bismol. "You can also buy rehydration packets, which contain electrolytes so you don't get overly dehydrated ," says Angarone.

If you end up getting sick while traveling, monitor your symptoms closely. A few days of diarrhea might be merely uncomfortable, but if you're totally incapacitated, see blood in your stool, or develop a fever, be sure to seek medical attention right away. ( Prevention Premium suggests using this herb to ease diarrhea .)

MORE: 10 Symptoms That Warrant A Trip To The ER

4. Travel can alter your medication routine.

medications

It's easy to skip a dose of your regular meds when you're operating outside of your routine. But with some drugs, even a slight aberration from the time you normally take them can be problematic. "That's most true for drugs that alter your immune function, like immunosuppressants," says Angarone.

Best defense: If you're on any regular medications that need to be taken at a certain time of day, consult your doctor about time changes before you leave. Meanwhile, always pack medications in your carry-on; you'll want to have them handy in case your flight is delayed or your checked luggage goes missing. (Just don't make these 3 medication mistakes that could cost you .)

5. Stress and fatigue can take a toll.

stress and fatigue when traveling

Sure, vacations are meant to be relaxing—but how often do you find yourself working overtime, overexerting yourself, and staying up late to prep for a getaway?

The result, according to the Dutch psychologist Ad Vingerhoets, who looked at this phenomenon in a 2002 study , is a stress-induced state he calls "leisure sickness." His theory has to do with the "fight-or-flight" effect stress can have. While under stress, the body simultaneously releases adrenaline, which boosts the immune system, and cortisol, which suppresses it. (Be on the lookout for these 10 silent signals you're way too stressed .) Following a stressful period, cortisol remains in the bloodstream longer than adrenaline, which may leave your immune system temporarily weakened .

Vingerhoets' "leisure sickness" theory still remains to be proven, and many medical experts—including Angarone—are doubtful that stress actually makes your body more vulnerable to catching an infection in this manner. But Angarone acknowledges that stress is still a problem because it might make you lax about risk-prevention strategies that would otherwise protect you. If you're tired or not thinking straight , you might opt for that tap water or forget to wash your hands.

Best defense: There's no easy cure for stress, but planning vacations in advance and starting that "work crunch" early can help you avoid pile-up so you can enjoy a happy, and healthy, trip.

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Romy Oltuski is a writer and editor based in New York. Her work appears in The New York Times, Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, and The Cut.

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Why flying while sick can make you feel worse

Respiratory illnesses can make it painfully difficult to equalize pressure in your ears and sinuses.

feeling sick while travelling

As cuffing season meets coughing season and airport crowds are reaching pre-pandemic levels, more travelers are likely getting on a plane when they’re not feeling 100 percent.

The coronavirus , the flu and RSV are all circulating at such high levels that hospitals are overwhelmed . Health experts warn it’s best not to fly if you have any symptoms (and not just for selfless reasons). Not only do you risk getting the passengers around you ill, but the environment on board could make you feel even worse.

“Many of the conditions on aircraft can exacerbate your symptoms when you have a respiratory illness,” said Henry Wu, an associate professor of medicine at Emory University and director of the Emory TravelWell Center.

Here’s how flying while sick could affect you and your fellow fliers — and what experts say you should do about it.

6 tips to avoid getting your family sick during holiday travel

Flying can make congestion, sore throat and dizziness feel worse

Respiratory illnesses affect your sinuses and Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to your throat. Both are air-filled chambers, so when you’re on a plane, the pressure inside needs to equalize with the cabin pressure after takeoff and upon landing.

When you’re sick, however, the passages for drainage from those tubes become inflamed and narrow, making equalizing pressures more difficult, said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

What’s the difference between RSV, the flu and covid-19?

“If you’ve got inflammation blocking your means of equalizing the pressure, that’s going to hurt,” he said.

That pain can continue even after your flight as inflammation prevents the pressure from equalizing, Adalja added. It can also lead to trouble hearing, vertigo, and in rare cases, damage to the eardrum, Wu said.

Aircraft cabins also have low humidity, which can exacerbate irritation of your mucus membranes and worsen a sore throat, Wu said.

It can also be a challenge to stay hydrated while flying, especially when you’re sick, leading to lightheadedness or feeling faint, he added.

How to know if you’re too sick to fly

Wu recommended travelers with any respiratory symptoms or fever get tested for coronavirus and the flu, and consider delaying their trip, even if you suspect it is only a common cold.

“It may be difficult to discern the common cold from the more serious respiratory infections like covid or flu or RSV, which is particularly dangerous for infants,” he said.

With the risk of spreading the sickness and exacerbating your symptoms, Wu said it’s better for travelers to be conservative about flying with an illness “for their own comfort and health as well as everyone else’s.” He added he has even seen airlines restrict travelers from boarding if they are visibly ill.

Adalja said anyone feeling shortness of breath before a flight — whether due to a severe respiratory illness or a chronic condition — should not travel, as lower oxygen levels in the air could impair your ability to oxygenate your blood. Most importantly, consult your doctor if you feel ill before a flight because each individual’s risk factors are different, Adalja said.

Jeffrey A. Linder, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University, said the “calculus has changed” in recent years to reduce the need to travel while ill, thanks to the ability to quickly test for the coronavirus and the proliferation of remote work.

“If you can’t get your symptoms under control with over-the-counter medicines, you should try to avoid flying,” Linder said.

Next covid wave could be on a collision course with holiday travel

How to manage your symptoms on a flight

If you must travel while sick, there are a few ways to prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

The most important factor is keeping your nasal and middle ear passages as open as possible, especially during takeoff and descent, Linder said. He recommended taking an oral decongestant like 12-hour Sudafed a few hours before flying, followed by a nasal decongestant spray 30 minutes before flying and 30 minutes before descending (nasal decongestant sprays should only be used for up to three days in a row).

Adalja also recommended the Valsalva maneuver — holding your nose and blowing out — as well as using saline spray to ensure your passages are as clear of mucus as possible before flying.

How to ask a seatmate to mask: The new etiquette for flights

It’s also important to stay hydrated and wear a high-quality mask if you absolutely have to be flying while sick, Wu noted. Wearing a mask can have the added benefit of maintaining higher humidity in your oral and nasal passages, he added.

Above all, Wu recommended that travelers stay home if they feel sick, even if there are no longer coronavirus test requirements in place or mandatory masking on planes.

“It’s still a kind of a transitional period in this pandemic where a lot of folks are still figuring out how to navigate the return of influenza, as well as rising covid numbers again this winter,” he said. “The most we can do is just to everyone take their own precautions, whether you’re sick or not, to try to keep the aircraft and airports as safe as possible for everybody.”

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Motion Sickness: Symptoms, Who's at Risk, and How to Prevent It

  • Who Is at Risk
  • Medications
  • Health Conditions
  • When to Get Help

Motion sickness ( kinetosis ) causes symptoms that include dizziness, nausea , and headache . It occurs when you're moving (in a car, for example) and your brain receives mixed signals from your body, inner ear, and eyes about its surroundings. For instance, if you're below deck on a boat, your inner ear may sense rolling waves but your eyes don't see them. It is also called vertigo or seasickness , and is common in both children and adults, though some risk factors make it more likely.

Motion sickness also can occur due to flight simulators, gaming, amusement park rides, and other "virtual reality" experiences. Self-driving (automated) vehicles also lead to episodes of motion sickness, as people read or work on other tasks rather than driving themselves.

This article explains the symptoms of motion sickness, their causes, and who's at risk. It presents tips on managing your symptoms and ways to prevent motion sickness before it happens.

Illustration by Maritsa Patrinos for Verywell Health

Who Is at Higher Risk for Motion Sickness?

Studies have shown that essentially everyone has the potential to get motion sickness because it's related to the vestibular system (and its ear-related role in motion, balance, and coordination).  It's common, with one study finding up to 25% of large ship passengers (even more on smaller boats) will develop motion sickness within two to three days of the start of an ocean voyage.

For some people, it starts right away, while others only feel sick after they’ve been moving for a long time. Some people are more likely to get motion sickness, including:

  • Children aged 2 to 12 years (it can occur in younger children)
  • Younger adults (compared with those over age 60)
  • People who are pregnant
  • People who get migraine headaches

Other factors that contribute to risk include:

  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Being sleep deprived
  • Poor airflow in a vehicle
  • Certain odors, including diesel fuel or cigarette smoke

A small study has shown that people who don't know when or how motion will occur may have more difficulty. Facing forward and watching the horizon may help deal with unpredictable motion and motion sickness.

Hormones and Motion Sickness

Females are more likely than males to get motion sickness, partly because of hormones.  Estrogen , the primary female sex hormone, can contribute to symptoms of nausea and dizziness. Studies have shown that the menstrual cycle, as well as estrogen drugs or supplements, can affect how someone experiences motion sickness.

Symptoms of Motion Sickness

Symptoms of motion sickness can vary significantly from person to person, and the degree to which you feel ill can be less severe or more severe than other people who suffer from vertigo.

Nausea and vomiting are common, but they are not the only symptoms of motion sickness. Other symptoms may include:

  • Cold sweats and clammy hands
  • Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
  • Sensitivity to smells
  • Loss of appetite (clinically called anorexia )
  • Excessive salivation
  • Warm, flushed sensation

Sopite Syndrome

Some people have a subcategory of motion sickness called sopite syndrome. The main symptoms of sopite syndrome include:

  • Drowsiness and lethargy
  • Mild depression
  • Reduced ability to focus on an assigned task

Nausea and vomiting are not symptoms of sopite syndrome, which is one way it’s different from more common types of motion sickness. Sopite symptoms also may occur alone, or they may last longer than other motion sickness symptoms. The precise cause remains unclear, but it's possible another mechanism (including ear-related) is at work.

Medications Can Cause Motion Sickness

Motion sickness symptoms (or their increased severity) can be caused by certain medications. Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications can cause side effects that result in motion sickness symptoms even when you’re not actually moving.

Nausea, dizziness, and feeling off balance are the vertigo-like side effects that can occur with a wide range of medications. Some of the common medications that may cause these symptoms include:

  • Antibiotics such as penicillin, Suprax (cefixime), and Cipro (ciprofloxacin)
  • Estrogen-containing medications such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
  • Bisphosphonates , such as Binosto (alendronate)
  • Lanoxin ( digoxin )
  • Inbrija (levodopa)
  • Narcotic pain medications like Kadian (morphine), OxyContin ( oxycodone ), or Hysingla ER (hydrocodone)
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen)
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline)
  • Statins such as Crestor (rosuvastatin) and Zocor (simvastatin)

Even if you do feel discomfort, do not skip or stop taking your medications without talking to your provider.

If you will be traveling and are worried about motion sickness occurring or being more severe with a medication, talk to your healthcare provider. They may say that you can safely take your dose in a different way (for example, at a different time) to help prevent symptoms. 

Motion Sickness Symptoms and Health Conditions

Motion sickness usually stops within eight hours of ending the activity or movement. If your symptoms do not get better when you stop moving, it could be another condition that causes the same symptoms as motion sickness and you should talk to your provider.

Conditions that can cause similar symptoms to motion sickness include:

  • Fluid in the ear
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
  • Meniere’s disease

Talk to your healthcare provider about your symptoms to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment for Motion Sickness

There are a few treatment options for motion sickness. If you're taking medication before traveling, your healthcare provider may suggest a small dose before your trip to see how well it works.

Common medications for treating motion sickness include:

  • Bonine (meclizine)
  • Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
  • Phenergan ( promethazine )

Other options include:

  • Anticholinergic drugs , including scopolamine (like the Transderm Scop patch)
  • Benzodiazepines like Valium (diazepam)
  • Dopamine receptor antagonists like Reglan (metoclopramide)

Acupuncture and other complementary medicine options, such as using the P6 pressure point to control nausea , exist for treating motion sickness. Some experts recommend ginger. However, there is limited research support for their benefits, and motion sickness remains easier to prevent than treat.

Preventing Motion Sickness

Changing your activities or position can help with motion sickness, though reading often leads to motion sickness. Lying down can help, as does limiting your visual input (for example, trees that seem to move as you pass them).

You can also try:

  • Sitting in the front seat, if in a vehicle
  • Turning air vents toward your face
  • Keeping your head still
  • Avoiding heavy meals or alcohol use

Natural remedies may help with motion sickness symptoms and their prevention. Try deep breathing exercises, which have been shown to help with seasickness in simulated exercises.

Physical therapy to help you adapt to motion may help, as can transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation ( TENS ) using a small device that generates impulses. Cognitive behavioral therapy also may help to treat anxiety related to motion sickness.

Try Not to Think About Motion Sickness

Research has suggested that people who think they will get motion sickness are more likely to. You might be able to avoid or at least prevent motion sickness from getting worse by changing your thoughts and finding a distraction.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Most people see a healthcare provider for motion sickness ahead of planned travel, in order to seek preventive treatment, but other situations do arise. The most common complications of motion sickness include vomiting that leads to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances , which can be treated easily. These conditions can, however, cause serious illness in some people.

Other conditions with symptoms similar to motion sickness include:

  • Low blood sugar ( hypoglycemia ), which requires immediate care in people diagnosed with diabetes
  • Stroke , a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention
  • Traumatic head injury and concussion, commonly caused by sports injuries or accidents

If you feel sick after you hit your head or were in an accident, go to the emergency room or call 911.

Keep in mind that motion sickness usually goes away fairly quickly once you’ve stopped moving. If it’s been more than eight hours and you’re still having symptoms, call your provider.

While nausea and vomiting are common, they are not the only symptoms of motion sickness. Some people have other symptoms like fatigue and mood changes. Medications, hormones, and certain activities can make you more likely to get motion sickness.

It's easier to prevent motion sickness than treat it, so talk to your healthcare provider about medication and other treatment options.

If feelings of illness do not go away after the motion stops, your symptoms could be due to another condition. See your healthcare provider if you have motion sickness symptoms that last longer than eight hours.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Motion Sickness .

Golding JF. Motion sickness . Handb Clin Neurol. 2016;137:371-390. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-63437-5.00027-3

Li D, Chen L. Mitigating motion sickness in automated vehicles with vibration cue system . Ergonomics . 2022 Oct;65(10):1313-1325. doi:10.1080/00140139.2022.2028902.

Foster M, Singh N, Kwok K, Macefield VG. Vestibular modulation of skin sympathetic nerve activity in sopite syndrome induced by low-frequency sinusoidal motion. J Neurophysiol . 2020 Dec 1;124(6):1551-1559. doi: 10.1152/jn.00177.2020. 

Leung AK, Hon KL. Motion sickness: an overview . Drugs Context . 2019 Dec 13;8:2019-9-4. doi: 10.7573/dic.2019-9-4. 

Lipson S, Wang A, Corcoran M, Zhou G, Brodsky JR. Severe motion sickness in infants and children . Eur J Paediatr Neurol . 2020 Sep;28:176-179. doi:10.1016/j.ejpn.2020.06.010.

Laitinen L, Nurmi M, Ellilä P, Rautava P, Koivisto M, Polo-Kantola P. Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy: associations with personal history of nausea and affected relatives . Arch Gynecol Obstet . 2020 Oct;302(4):947-955. doi: 10.1007/s00404-020-05683-3. 

Jones MLH, Le VC, Ebert SM, Sienko KH, Reed MP, Sayer JR. Motion sickness in passenger vehicles during test track operations . Ergonomics . 2019 Oct;62(10):1357-1371. doi: 10.1080/00140139.2019.1632938.

Peddareddygari LR, Kramer PD, Hanna PA, Levenstien MA, Grewal RP. Genetic Analysis of a Large Family with Migraine, Vertigo, and Motion Sickness . Can J Neurol Sci . 2019 Sep;46(5):512-517. doi: 10.1017/cjn.2019.64.

Kuiper OX, Bos JE, Schmidt EA, Diels C, Wolter S. Knowing What's Coming: Unpredictable Motion Causes More Motion Sickness . Hum Factors . 2020 Dec;62(8):1339-1348. doi: 10.1177/0018720819876139.

Smith PF, Agrawal Y, Darlington CL. Sexual dimorphism in vestibular function and dysfunction . J Neurophysiol . 2019;121(6):2379-2391. doi:10.1152/jn.00074.2019

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Motion Sickness .

Varis N, Leinonen A, Perälä J, Leino TK, Husa L, Sovelius R. Delayed Drowsiness After Normobaric Hypoxia Training in an F/A-18 Hornet Simulator . Aerosp Med Hum Perform . 2023 Sep 1;94(9):715-718. doi:10.3357/AMHP.6238.2023. 

Altissimi G, Colizza A, Cianfrone G, et al. Drugs inducing hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo: an updated guide . Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci . 2020;24(15):7946-7952. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202008_22477

Seattle Children's Hospital. Motion sickness .

Hromatka BS, Tung JY, Kiefer AK, Do CB, Hinds DA, Eriksson N. Genetic variants associated with motion sickness point to roles for inner ear development, neurological processes and glucose homeostasis .  Hum Mol Genet . 2015;24(9):2700-2708. doi:10.1093/hmg/ddv028

Golding JF, Patel M. Meniere's, migraine, and motion sickness . Acta Otolaryngol. 2017;137(5):495-502. doi:10.1080/00016489.2016.1255775

Koch A, Cascorbi I, Westhofen M, Dafotakis M, Klapa S, Kuhtz-Buschbeck JP. The neurophysiology and treatment of motion sickness .  Dtsch Arztebl Int . 2018;115(41):687-696. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0687

Stromberg SE, Russell ME, Carlson CR.  Diaphragmatic breathing and its effectiveness for the management of motion sickness . Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2015;86(5):452-7.

Huppert D, Benson J, Brandt T. A historical view of motion sickness - a plague at sea and on land, also with military impact .  Front Neurol . 2017;8:114. doi:10.3389/fneur.2017.00114

Shen Y, Qi X. Update on diagnosis and differential diagnosis of vestibular migraine . Neurol Sci . 2022;43(3):1659-1666. doi:10.1007/s10072-022-05872-9

By Kristin Hayes, RN Kristin Hayes, RN, is a registered nurse specializing in ear, nose, and throat disorders for both adults and children.

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10 Ways Motion Sickness Could Indicate Serious Health Problems

Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a condition characterized by a disturbance of the inner ear or the labyrinth, resulting in spatial orientation as well as an impaired sense of balance and equilibrium. It is caused by a repetitive motion such as the movement of a vehicle, the motion of a plane in the air, or being on a boat. Although motion sickness may seem like a harmless condition, it may indicate a more serious problem.

10. When Does Motion Sickness Occur?

Child suffers from motion sickness in car

Approximately thirty-three percent of people experience motion sickness in mild circumstances, such as driving in a car on a smooth road, and up to sixty-six percent experience symptoms in severe conditions, including being on a boat in turbulent waters. Motion sickness can occur on a boat, in a car, on a plane, or when riding an amusement park ride. Only people who do not have a functional vestibular system are immune to developing motion sickness.

Headshot senior man with vertigo suffering from dizziness

Motion sickness is detected in the brain when the inner ear, the eyes, and the deeper tissues of the body’s surface send signals to the nervous system. These signals include acceleration, motion sensors, and gravity. The input from these three signals is coordinated in the brain anytime a person walks or moves intentionally. However, when there is an unintentional movement of the body and the brain is not organizing the movement, it causes a sense of discoordination or conflict between the three pathways, resulting in motion sickness.

8. Body Parts Involved In Motion Sickness

Inner ear

Although motion sickness is a complicated process, researchers know that the motion-sensing organs in the inner ear are responsible for detecting motion sickness, which makes the inner ear an important part in the development of the condition. Vision seems to play less of a role as people are who are blind can still experience motion sickness. The neurotransmitters histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine appear to be involved in the conflicting input within the brain that causes motion sickness symptoms.

7. Symptoms

Child suffers from motion sickness in car

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, vertigo or dizziness, sweating, and a general sense of feeling unwell. Mild symptoms include yawning, a headache and a slightly uneasy feeling while severe symptoms include drooling, shortness of breath, and drowsiness. These symptoms usually occur when the person is in a car, on a boat, in an airplane or on an amusement ride. Symptoms may go away quickly after the repetitive motion has stopped but a general feeling of being unwell may last for several hours.

6. Diagnosis

Doctor Carrying Out Ear Exam On Female Patient

Most people who experience motion sickness do not need to seek medical help as symptoms will go away on their own. However, individuals who experience chronic motion sickness or very severe cases that become progressively worse will need to seek treatment to detect a balance or nervous system problem. A doctor will ask about the symptoms and causes of motion sickness to determine its cause. A physical examination may be done to rule out problems with the inner ear.

5. Balance Disorders

Asian business woman standing on precipice

Motion sickness can be an underlying indication of a balance disorder, which occurs when a person feels like they are unsteady, dizzy or moving even when they are standing still. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, the feeling of falling, lightheadedness, a floating sensation, blurred vision, confusion or disorientation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure, fear, panic and anxiety. Over time, depression and fatigue may occur as a result of a balance disorder.

4. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

feeling sick while travelling

While there are more than a dozen different balance disorders, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or positional vertigo is one of the most common. It is characterized by an intense and brief episode of vertigo or dizziness triggered by changing the position of the head. People with BPPV may feel like they are spinning when they bend down, tilt the head, or even roll over in bed. It occurs when a structure in the vesicular system called the cupula sends the wrong information to the brain, causing vertigo. It may occur due to aging or a brain injury.

3. Mal De Debarquement Syndrome (MDDS)

Seasick girl on sailing boat

Mal de debarquement syndrome happens when there is a constant feeling of bobbing or rocking. It usually occurs after a boat ride or cruise. The symptoms may go away within a few hours but have been known to last months and even years. Vestibular neuronitis is another balance disorder caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve. It is primarily caused by a viral infection that causes vertigo and feelings of motion sickness.

2. Other Balance Disorders

Side profile sick young woman having ear pain

Labyrinthitis is a balance disorder that occurs when there is an infection or inflammation in the inner ear that causes loss of balance or dizziness. It is common during upper respiration infections like the flu. Ménière's disease involves episodes of hearing loss, vertigo, a ringing in the ear, and a feeling of fullness or water in the ear. It is due to a change of fluid in the labyrinth. A perilymph fistula occurs when there is a leakage of fluid in the inner ear into the middle ear. It causes feelings of unsteadiness with activity and may eventually lead to nausea and dizziness.

1. Treatment

feeling sick while travelling

Although motion sickness usually stops when the repetitive motion ceases, some people experience symptoms for hours or even days later. Looking out the window of a moving vehicle may help reduce symptoms by reaffirming visual motion. Taking a nap or closing the eyes may also help prevent psychogenic effects, as well as chewing gum. Medications such as antihistamines and nervous system blockers are available in pill or patch form. Getting fresh air or focusing the eyes on an object straight ahead may also help.

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After Travel Tips

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You may get infected during travel but not have symptoms until you get home. If you recently traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to your healthcare provider, and tell them about your travel.

Contact your healthcare provider if you feel sick

Contact your healthcare provider if you feel sick after your trip. Sharing the following information may help your healthcare provider identify possible diseases or infections:

  • Your vaccination history.
  • Where you traveled.
  • Your reasons for traveling.
  • Your travel activities, including swimming, hiking, etc.
  • The timeframe of your vacation.
  • Where you stayed, such as hotels, family or friends’ homes, hostels, or tents.
  • What you ate and drank.
  • Animals you had close contact with or touched.
  • If you have any injuries, scratches, or bug bites.
  • Health care or medications you received during your trip.
  • Close contact with other people, including sexual encounters.
  • If you got any tattoos or piercings.

If your healthcare provider has trouble determining why you are feeling sick, you may want to ask to speak with an infectious disease doctor or travel medicine specialist. Find a clinic for a travel medicine specialist.

Long-term Travelers

Long-term travelers, such as expatriate workers, Peace Corps volunteers, or missionaries, have a greater risk of getting infected, sometimes without symptoms, during travel. If you are a long-term traveler, consider having a thorough medical exam or interview with your healthcare provider after you return to the United States.

More Information:

  • The Post Travel Evaluation in CDC Yellow Book
  • Long-Term Travelers & Expatriates in CDC Yellow Book
  • Screening Asymptomatic Returned Travelers in CDC Yellow Book

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What If You Get COVID-19 While Traveling?

Taking a trip? You need to plan for the possibility that you might get COVID-19 while you’re far from home. Here are a few strategies to consider.

Salma Abdelnour Gilman

Planning a vacation? You've got company: Americans are traveling in record numbers this summer after more than two years of pandemic restrictions.

Travel abroad is booming now that the U.S. government no longer requires citizens to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test or of recent recovery from COVID-19 in order to fly home, per the current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) .

But with COVID-19 surging in many parts of the United States and the rest of the world, it pays to strategize about what to do if you get sick while you’re away.

Sure, having a backup plan won’t dispel the disappointment of a vacation disrupted by the virus. But at least it will make things a little less stressful, not to mention safer.

So, what can you do? We consulted with infectious diseases specialists and other sources to get their advice.

Note: No matter where you’re going, make sure you’re up to date on your vaccines and boosters — and pack a few COVID-19 testing kits and N95 masks in your luggage, just in case.

1. Get Updated on COVID-Related Rules at Your Destination Before You Travel

If you’re traveling internationally, visit the U.S. State Department site or Borderless for the current COVID-related travel protocols for testing, vaccination, and quarantining for each country.

You’ll definitely want a heads-up about what a positive test result might entail. “Check the details before you travel in case you are going to a place where a positive COVID test might mean confinement in a government-mandated hotel, dormitory, or hospital,” says Michael Blaivas, MD , chief medical officer at  Anavasi Diagnostics and emergency department physician at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia.

Hong Kong , for example, is currently enforcing post-arrival testing and mandatory quarantines in designated hotels for positive cases. Visitors to Canada must submit travel plans to the government three days before arrival, and depending on vaccine status they may be subject to mandatory testing and quarantine protocols.

Venturing to a destination within the United States? Find out the current level of community transmission there, to assess your chance of contracting COVID-19 while visiting.

2. Look Into Airline Change or Cancellation Policies and Travel Insurance

Before you pay for your flight, find out if your airline will let you change your departure or return plans penalty-free, in case you or a family member tests positive for COVID-19 before or during the trip.

Look into adding a travel insurance policy that covers COVID-related changes or cancellations. Many of these policies now treat COVID-19 like any other medical emergency — if you’re sick and get a doctor’s note you can change your flights or hotel reservations with minimal or no penalties.

Be sure you read the fine print (including state-by-state restrictions) before you opt in, so you’ll know what’s covered. A cancellation due to fear of contracting COVID-19 often won’t qualify; neither will government-related COVID-19 restrictions, such as a country tightening its rules for entry.

As an alternative, consider getting a CFAR (cancel for any reason) insurance policy. Those usually cost more but could be worthwhile if you decide to cancel your trip due to circumstances not covered by other insurance plans.

3. Before You Leave Home, Ask About Check-In and Check-Out Flexibility at Your Hotel or Rental Home, and Have a Plan B

Depending on when you test positive or show symptoms, you may need or want to extend your trip in order to quarantine.

It’s a good idea to run through potential scenarios in your head before you travel. For example: If you or a family member tests positive during the trip, will your hotel allow you to stay longer and quarantine in place? Will the hotel offer any discounts for an extended stay if you need to quarantine? Some hotels are offering special quarantine packages this summer.

Remember that according to CDC guidelines , you will need to isolate for at least five days after a positive test or symptom onset, and delay travel for 10 days. Also, anyone who has had close contact with you should quarantine for five days and test on Day 5.

If you’re negative and symptom-free but a close contact in your group tests positive, you will also need to quarantine for five days. Find out if your destination has any designated quarantine hotels where you can stay if needed; many countries that used to offer this no longer do.

Airbnb and Vrbo have their own COVID-19 policies: Airbnb’s protocols currently don’t allow guests who are knowingly infected or exposed to COVID-19 to check in.

What if you’ve already checked in and you test positive while there — can you extend your stay? The current Airbnb policy doesn’t specify; it may depend on the host’s rules and flexibility.

Vrbo’s current policies do not prevent guests from booking a home for a quarantine, and some Vrbo properties even advertise themselves for that purpose, like this cottage on a farm in Colorado .

Of course all of this can add to the expense of a trip, and you may need to investigate more affordable options. Does a relative or friend living in the area have a vacant home or extra space you could use to isolate if necessary, or can they ask around on your behalf?

For road-trippers: If you test positive along your route, do any hotels in the area offer contact-free check-in so you can quarantine without exposing others? Research options ahead of time.

4. Know How to Keep Others in Your Family or Travel Group Safe if You Test Positive

“I tell my patients, especially those who are traveling overseas, to be prepared,” says Kunjana Mavunda, MD , a pediatric pulmonologist at Kidz Medical Services in South Miami, Florida, and former medical director of epidemiology and disease control at the Miami-Dade Department of Health. “It would be best to isolate yourself, check into a hotel, and just stay there until the symptoms are gone.”

In a hotel, might you risk exposing staff or other guests? “If you can isolate yourself in your room in a house or stay in a hotel and you don't have to have people coming in and out, and you can have room service put the food outside, it’s okay and it’s ethical,” Dr. Mavunda says.

“If you are forced to come in contact with others, wear an N95 mask and frequently sanitize your hands. Make sure people that might have to be around you are doing the same,” she adds.

5. Pack Extra Medications and Necessities in Case You Need to Delay Your Return

“Make sure you have everything you need for an extended stay of up to 10 days in case you are quarantined in the location you are visiting,” says Dr. Blaivas. That includes extra medications that you rely on daily.

You may also want to investigate travel medical insurance if you’re leaving the country, since most U.S. health insurance plans won’t cover you while you’re abroad. This is especially important if you have any special health conditions that may require you to see a doctor should your trip be extended because you develop COVID-19 or come into close contact with an infected person.

6. Research How to Get Medical Care if You Need It During Your Trip

“Give some thought as to what medical care would be available if you do become sick,” says David Banach, MD, MPH , a hospital epidemiologist at UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut. “That’s true for COVID as well as other illnesses during travel. Have a sense of what type of medical care you can access.”

“If you are feeling significantly ill and are in a location where medical care is of high quality, then seeking medical treatment is a very good idea,” says Blaivas. “If traveling somewhere [where] the medical systems are not well developed, then you are better off contacting your travel insurance, assuming you are not feeling very sick and have to go to the nearest emergency department, and get a consultation about possible evacuation back home.”

Adds Blaivas, “If you are getting significantly ill from COVID, there are several treatment options which will decrease the symptom severity” — including antiviral medications such as Paxlovid . “Some may not be available outside of the United States, so check before you travel,” he says.

Telemedicine might be a convenient option for consulting with a doctor while you isolate, but Dr. Banach cautions that “accessing telemedicine from abroad can be tricky” depending on your Wi-Fi connection. Check the CDC site for more info on telemedicine options.

What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

Health & Safety Tips

Jul 22, 2021

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When we think about vacations,we usually picture all the fun and adventure that awaits us, but planning for unexpected surprises is still important; for instance, do you know what to do if you get sick while traveling? As the world opens up again, most people are chomping at the bit to start traveling again. However, some of us may need a refresher on how to stay healthy while on vacation.

Is it common to get sick while traveling? Yes. Injuries and illnesses never take a vacation. In fact, some of the most common summer injuries and illnesses can easily happen while you’re on vacation. It’s best to be prepared and know what to do if you get sick while traveling so you can address the problem and get back to relaxing. 

What to do if you get sick while traveling : Essential next steps

  • Step 1: Take note of emergency facilities in the area. Hospital or medical costs can be confusing to navigate especially if you’re in a foreign country. Before your trip, conduct a list of english speaking foreign emergency facilities that are close to where you will be staying. That way, in the event of an emergency, you know exactly where to go to find help. Lists and other travel resources can be obtained from the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers .
  • Step 2: Carry a letter from your healthcare provider. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, have your doctor or primary care physician write a detailed note about your condition and the types of medication you are taking (if any). This will make it easier for the medical professionals abroad to understand your current health status and determine a treatment direction.
  • Step 3: Assess your injury. If you’re unable to do so, have someone examine your injury to determine if you need medical assistance. If you’re having acute pain symptoms , the pain should subside in under an hour, but continue to monitor how you’re feeling in case the intensity increases.  
  • Step 4: Seek medical help. From that list you made before your trip, see if there is a facility nearby that offers walk-in emergency care services . This will ensure that you’ll be seen in a much quicker manner than a traditional hospital. 

Tips for how to not get sick while traveling

1. pack a travel first-aid kit.

Your first-aid travel kit should include: 

  • Your prescription medication (if you take any)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Ant-bacterial wipes
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers 
  • Antihistamines for allergies 
  • Anti-nausea for motion sickness
  • Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher

2. Stay hydrated

Amidst all of the fun of vacation, it’s important to remember to drink water! Not only will it keep you well and healthy during your trip, it is a crucial part to avoiding emergencies that can send you to the hospital including dehydration and heat stroke. If you’re unsure if the tap water is safe to drink, stick to bottled water instead. 

3. Get plenty of rest while traveling 

Traveling can take a heavy toll on our bodies. Getting enough rest before and during your vacation is essential for avoiding exhaustion. Being sleep-deprived while traveling can also weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. So be sure to catch those Zs!

4. Eat a balanced diet

“It’s vacation, I can eat whatever I want!” While that’s true, your diet heavily impacts your digestive system which can affect your overall health and immune system. Eating nutritious foods can help you beat that sluggish feeling and allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest!

5. Check the weather

Depending on when you’re traveling, be sure to check the weather and prepare accordingly. Want to travel during the summer? Be sure to be aware of the warning signs of heat stroke . If you’re going to travel in the fall or winter time, read up on how to keep yourself healthy during flu season . 

Traveling in Texas or Colorado? Complete Care is ready to treat any medical emergency!

It can be very beneficial to know what to do if you get sick while traveling. Whether you’re traveling through Texas or have a trip planned in Colorado Springs , Complete Care is an emergency facility that can tend to your injury or illness in minutes , not hours. If you break your arm –– the most commonly broken bone –– or become dehydrated, our hospital-grade medical facilities are open 24/7 for any medical emergency.

For any health-related travel questions or inquiries, contact a Complete Care facility today !

More Helpful Articles by Complete Care:

  • Warning Signs of Heat Strokes
  • How to Tell if a Bone is Broken 
  • Signs of an Oncoming Stroke 
  • When to Go to the ER for Bleeding During Pregnancy
  • How to Help a Friend with Alcohol Poisoning

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Business Travel

Dec 4, 2018

Not Feeling Well? How to Survive Traveling While Sick

feeling sick while travelling

It’s been said that there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes. When it comes to the holidays and the dreaded cold and flu season, those two certainties change to traveling and getting sick. Although it’s best to avoid travel altogether when you’re feeling under the weather, that’s not always possible, and illness often strikes when it’s too late to turn back. There are ways, however, to cope with being sick during business or leisure travel. Follow these tips to stay comfortable and on track to feeling better.

1. Avoid flying, if possible

Flying with the flu or a cold is adverse not just for you but for your fellow travelers as well. The changes in elevation put added pressure on your sinuses, the dry cabin air is dehydrating, motion sickness can upset your stomach and germs spread like wildfire. If you have the option to travel by car or train, choose those over flying. Your body and your would-be flight companions will thank you.

2. Pack your carry-on wisely

If it’s too late to cancel your flight and you have to fly, pack your carry-on with items that will ease your cold symptoms and keep you comfortable during the flight, such as:

• Medicine – Stored in 3.4 oz (100 ml) containers to meet TSA requirements • Healthy snacks – Make sure they’re easy on your stomach and throat (if it’s sore) • Tissues • Cough drops • Gum – For keeping your Eustachian tubes clear, which can be blocked by both congestion and elevation during the flight • Herbal tea bags – Ask a flight attendant for a cup of hot water, and you can enjoy  your own soothing tea – a simple comfort if you have to fly when you’re not feeling well.

Check out more ideas in our articles Tips for Dealing with Travel Anxiety  and Getting Rid of Flight Sickness or Soothing an Upset Stomach

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol

It’s tempting to resort to caffeine to power through the day when you’re not feeling well, but it’ll do more harm than good. Caffeine is dehydrating and robs your body of much-needed fluids as it tries to heal. Alcohol is another no-no for the same reason, so you may want to skip those happy hours you have planned with friends or colleagues, or stick to non-alcoholic beverages.

4. Visit a virtual doctor

It can be difficult to find a local doctor while traveling, not to mention one covered by your insurance. Fortunately, getting sick when traveling in the 21 st century comes with many digital conveniences, including being able to see a doctor virtually. Many health insurance providers include this benefit, which may involve texting, speaking on the phone or video chatting with a doctor, physician’s assistant or registered nurse. They may even be able to prescribe medication if necessary. If you’re traveling and  need to see a doctor, check with your insurance provider and see if a virtual visit is possible.

5. Pamper yourself with hotel conveniences and luxuries

Although you’re probably yearning for your own bed at home, a hotel room isn’t the worst place to recover from an illness. Order some soup from room service, watch a movie, take a steamy shower or bath (great for clearing out your sinuses), close the blackout curtains and get a good night’s sleep under the soft, clean sheets. It’s like the world’s most luxurious sick bed.

If you’re lucky enough to be staying in a furnished apartment, you’ll feel like right at home when nursing your illness. With the added advantage of a fully equipped kitchen, you can make yourself tea, chicken noodle soup or whatever remedy your heart desires (also see our tips for easy “like home” cooked meals to make when traveling). Search Furnished Quarters’ move-in ready apartments for the utmost comfort, whether you’re sick or well.

Furnished Quarters is the premier supplier of short-term housing and an accredited LGBTQ+ diverse, privately owned and operated company.

© 2024 Furnished Quarters, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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  1. 18 Surefire Ways to Get Sick While Traveling

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  2. How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

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  3. 6 Tips For When You Get Sick or Injured While Travelling

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  4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE SICK WHILE TRAVELING

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  5. Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

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  6. How to prevent car and travel sickness

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COMMENTS

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  3. What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

    Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you desire, inform your family and/or friends. If necessary, consuls can also assist ...

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  5. What should you do if you feel sick while flying?

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  6. Motion Sickness

    Don't read while riding in a car, plane, or boat. Look out the window at the horizon. Look at a distant object. Lie down when you feel sick. Avoid a heavy meal before or during travel. Eat small portions of plain food instead. Don't eat greasy, spicy, or acidic foods before or during travel. Drink lots of water. Avoid alcohol.

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    Motion sickness is caused by repeated movements when travelling, like going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat, plane or train. The inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell. Find out more about motion sickness, an unpleasant combination of ...

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    Motion sickness: First aid. Any type of transportation can cause motion sickness. It can strike suddenly, progressing from a feeling of uneasiness to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. It usually quiets down as soon as the motion stops. The more you travel, the more easily you'll adjust to being in motion.

  10. Motion Sickness (Travel Sickness): Prevention and Treatment

    Feeling cold and going pale. Feeling weak. How to stop motion sickness. Some general tips to avoid motion sickness include the following. Prepare for your journey. Don't eat a heavy meal before travelling. Light, carbohydrate-based food like cereals an hour or two before you travel is best.

  11. 5 Reasons You Always Get Sick When You Travel—And How To ...

    Here, Angarone explains some of the most frequent causes of travel ailments and how to offset your risks. 1. Airports and train stations are cesspools of viruses. Mass transit is the likeliest ...

  12. Motion Sickness: Best Fixes If Traveling Makes You Ill

    In the hours before you travel, avoid alcohol and greasy foods but make sure to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. While traveling, eat dry crackers and avoid cigarette smoke. If your ...

  13. Advice

    The coronavirus, the flu and RSV are all circulating at such high levels that hospitals are overwhelmed. Health experts warn it's best not to fly if you have any symptoms (and not just for ...

  14. Motion Sickness: Surprising Causes and Symptoms

    For some people, it starts right away, while others only feel sick after they've been moving for a long time. Some people are more likely to get motion sickness, including: Children aged 2 to 12 years (it can occur in younger children) ... If you will be traveling and are worried about motion sickness occurring or being more severe with a ...

  15. Flu-like Symptoms After Traveling Explained

    Feeling sick after traveling can be a frustrating feeling, but try to remember that it's normal to feel this way. Travel, even when done in the most cautious manner, can still be exhausting on the body. If you do find yourself in need of medical attention, the staff at Complete Care is here to help you feel better in no time. With low wait ...

  16. 10 Ways Motion Sickness Could Indicate Serious Health Problems

    Taking a nap or closing the eyes may also help prevent psychogenic effects, as well as chewing gum. Medications such as antihistamines and nervous system blockers are available in pill or patch form. Getting fresh air or focusing the eyes on an object straight ahead may also help. Motion sickness, also known as travel sickness, is a condition ...

  17. After Travel Tips

    Contact your healthcare provider if you feel sick after your trip. Sharing the following information may help your healthcare provider identify possible diseases or infections: Your vaccination history. Where you traveled. Your reasons for traveling. Your travel activities, including swimming, hiking, etc. The timeframe of your vacation.

  18. What If You Get COVID-19 While Traveling?

    2. Look Into Airline Change or Cancellation Policies and Travel Insurance. Before you pay for your flight, find out if your airline will let you change your departure or return plans penalty-free ...

  19. What To Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

    Step 3: Assess your injury. If you're unable to do so, have someone examine your injury to determine if you need medical assistance. If you're having acute pain symptoms, the pain should subside in under an hour, but continue to monitor how you're feeling in case the intensity increases. Step 4: Seek medical help.

  20. How to Survive Traveling While Sick

    There are ways, however, to cope with being sick during business or leisure travel. Follow these tips to stay comfortable and on track to feeling better. 1. Avoid flying, if possible. Flying with the flu or a cold is adverse not just for you but for your fellow travelers as well. The changes in elevation put added pressure on your sinuses, the ...

  21. Motion sickness: Why some people feel sick when travelling in a vehicle

    The feeling of being sick while in a moving vehicle is called kinetosis or motion sickness. It may affect you when in any moving object such as a car, a train, an aeroplane, an elevator, a carousel, or when moving on water. It can also happen with simulations and virtual reality systems.