Flying isn't always fun, especially if you don't feel well, but there are things you can do to improve your chances of getting to your destination feeling your best. One health hazard of air travel is jet lag. In reality, it's not the jet that causes the lag, it's the change in time zones that affects your body clock. You can prevent some of the effects of jet lag by altering your schedule in advance of your trip to get yourself closer to the time zone of your destination. Also alter your exposure to light to be close to what you'll experience in the new time zone, either exposing yourself to bright light or staying indoors at appropriate times.
Airplanes are also good places to catch colds or the flu.
It's not because of the recirculated air. It's because you're trapped sitting for a long time next to people who could be ill. These people spread their viruses to surfaces when they cough or sneeze. You can reduce your chances of picking up a cold on a plane by washing your hands and keeping them away from your face. If you're already sick and congested when you get on the plane, doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say you can prevent the discomfort of excess pressure in your ears during the flight by taking a decongestant before your trip.