the Dizziness during air travel It represents a recurring challenge for millions of passengers because of the potential Nausea, headache, sweating or dizziness Which can be tried. In this context, Jonathan VenoffChief Medical Officer of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Specific protocols for maintaining health Athletes during international transfers.
the Motion sicknessMotion sickness is usually associated with a mismatch between what the eye sees and what the inner ear registers. This sensory imbalance arises When a person is stationary inside a moving vehicle.
This condition It can appear even when a person is trying to read or squint while airplane It passes through air currents.
In parallel with these typical motor inconveniences, there are also risks associated with them Transmission of respiratory diseases in enclosed spaces. For this reason, Vinov focuses his strategies on… Reducing both motion sickness and the chance of getting sick During extended trips.
Vinov studied for years The impact of international travel on the health of high-performance athletes. During his experience, he was able to develop basic recommendations that can help not only athletes, but also anyone on board commercial flights.
Your first suggestion is Choose the window seat located in the center of the plane. This position helps reduce the perception of movement, which may reduce the appearance of dizziness.
In addition, it avoids constant movement of passengers and crew members, especially in areas near bathrooms, kitchens or doorways. “Few people pass by you, They don’t touch you or breathe on you“, he stated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
This recommendation coincides with studies from the University of California, Davis, indicating this Seats on the leading edge of the wing have less vertical movement during elevation changes or turbulence.
This relative stability allows the internal balance system to receive more consistent signals, reducing the possibility of sensory conflicts.
Choosing to sit in a low-traffic area also reduces contact with other people. According to research published in PNAS, those who are within two seats of someone have a respiratory infection They pose a higher risk of infection by up to 80% than those farther away.
For most passengers, The overall risk of infection is estimated at less than 3%.But proximity has a direct impact.
Once seated, Venoff recommends Clean all surfaces that can be touched with disinfectant wipes. Among them are the seat belt, armrests, lighting and ventilation controls. He also suggests sanitizing the bathroom door if you need to use it.
The area that requires the most attention is the folding table. Previous research covered The Wall Street Journal Show it It can concentrate microorganisms more than a toilet seatThis is due to its frequent use and not always being cleaned between each trip.
For those who want to reduce exposure to germs, Cleaning this surface before using it can make a big difference. “Once we stopped doing that, the situation returned to pre-pandemic levels,” the medical specialist said.
Regarding ventilation, Venov advises Direct the air nozzle towards the distance between the passenger and the person sitting next to him. This current creates a barrier of descending air which limits the movement of molecules from other areas of the plane.
Continuous ventilation also helps prevent the buildup of stagnant air It is useful to prevent dizziness in sensitive people.
In addition to cleaning procedures and seat selection, there are simple methods that can help control motion sickness.
University of California recommends Looking at a stationary object or avoiding activities such as reading while the plane is movingBecause these practices increase the discrepancy between what the eye and the inner ear perceive.
Another option is Use ginger candy or P6 acupressure stripsWhich is placed on the wrist and pressed to relieve nausea and vomiting.
Some people find comfort with these alternative methods, especially during long flights. Although its effectiveness may vary, They do not pose risks and can complement other preventive strategies.
Dizziness may also decrease If the passenger maintains an adequate amount of water and avoids heavy meals before the flight.
Staying still and leaning slightly against a window, when possible, can help reduce feelings of instability.
The last aspect highlighted by Vinov is The relationship between sleep and the body’s ability to resist infections. It is suggested to sleep between seven and eight hours every night for the immune system to function properly.
Discomfort It affects muscle recovery, immune response, and ability to concentrateWhich may increase the chance of contracting the disease while traveling. “If you don’t sleep, you get hurt and get sick,” he said.
For athletes, this recommendation is basic, but Vinov insists it applies to any rider. Sleep before the flight, when possible, and avoid strong stimulants the day before It can improve the ability to tolerate pressure changes and reduce the incidence of dizziness.
Adequate rest as well It helps the body better manage the physical stress associated with air travelespecially when there are time zone changes or long downtimes.