The Healthy Way to Fly

Panes are a haven for germs and other health problems. There are some stay-healthy tips:

• Keep clean. A study reports we're at increased risk of catching cold and flu viruses during flights, due to the close quarters. Wash hands often, and if you're really worried, wear a protective mask that's labelled N95. It screens out 95 per cent of airborne particles.

• Clear your ears. Changes in air pressure can suck the eardrum inward, and that hurts. A decongestant clears nasal passages so pressure doesn't build up.

• Get Up. When you sit for too long, blood pools in the legs and may lead to potentially deadly clots. Wear loose-fitting clothes and walk around the cabin twice and hour.