I've Been on 50 Flights in the Past 2 Years — This Is How I Don't Get Sick

Science has shown that sleep massively impacts your immune function. If you're missing zzz's, you're likely impairing your immune system and inviting in a nice hefty serving of rhinovirus, the common cold, or the flu.

If you can, get plenty of sleep in the week leading up to the trip, but at the very least prioritize a full night of rest the night before to prep your body for travel. Like training for a marathon, you're training your immune system to be as strong as possible in the face of influenza.

Steel yourself for the war against pathogens! After you wake up from your restorative snooze, take an immunity-boosting zinc or elderberry gummy supplement before (we repeat, before!) leaving for the airport to give your immune system a boost in advance.

An Australian study from 2016 published in the journal Nutrients actually showed that travelers who took elderberry from 10 days before their travel overseas until four to five days after arriving at their destination experienced a shorter duration of the cold — if they got a cold at all — and had reduced cold symptoms. More researched is needed, but we're going with the more is more approach.

Try Zarbee's Naturals Elderberry Chews ($15). They have zinc and vitamin C loaded up in there, because convenience.

According to Jena Sussex, MD, from the University of Southern California, the germiest places we should avoid touching at the airport start with security bins, the biggest offenders when it comes to the flu virus in airports. A study on BMC Infectious Diseases found that "plastic security screening trays appeared to pose the highest potential risk, and handling these is almost inevitable for all embarking passengers."

Take a few extra seconds to guard your immune system. Try to shake off the idea that you're inconveniencing the line — or just pull your bin to the side — it only takes a moment, and you've got every right to protect yourself from germs. Wipe it down with an anti-bacterial wipe, then place your items inside. Afterward, wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer if you're in a hurry.

Wash your hands like you're in the hospital, and by that I mean all the time. Wash them in the airport bathrooms, on the plane frequently, and when you get to your destination.

Because the combo of extra hand washing and dry air from travel can make your skin feel uncomfortably parched (speaking from my own experience), keep hand balms and creams in your travel bag to mitigate the dehydration and cracking. Opt for subtle scents on the off-chance someone has an allergy.

Did you know that the dry air also impacts your sinuses? Dr. Gustavo Ferrer, MD, author of Cough Cures told POPSUGAR that the body responds to this dry air by creating a thick mucous (Mmm, lovely!) which, as it turns out, is an ideal breeding ground for germs. "[It's a] thick mucus that favors the development of viral infections," he said, pointing out that a saline-based nasal spray with xylitol, like Xlear ($10). "It's a natural product that keeps the nasal passages moist and prevents the attachment of virus and bacteria." Think of it like those facial mists that keep your skin hydrated . . . but for your sinuses. So fresh and so clean.

Bust out those sanitizing wipes you had at security, and use them again on your seat, seat-back pocket, tray, arm rest, all over your desk. Clean up your space as best you can so germs don't transfer to your belongings and hands.

Sorry to be the literal buzzkill here, but alcohol can actually compromise your immune system, and sugary soda creates an ideal breeding ground for germs. You'll want to skip both, even if they're free and delicious.

Instead, mix up your own cup of immune-defending, cozy tea. Airlines always have hot water for tea, but typically the options are your classic black breakfast teas. Since you can't brew up freshly-sliced ginger and mint from your economy coach seat, travel with your own packets and even honey sticks (honey is antibacterial!). We like Davids Tea Organic Cold 911 Sachets ($10).