6 Flu Season Essentials That Will Protect You While Traveling This Winter, According to a Doctor

"Early signs suggest this season may be moderate to severe, Dr. Hoke says, given early numbers and the high severity of last year, so preparation is key. He stresses getting vaccinated, washing your hands, and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze to avoid the spread of germs. In addition to these three basics, you can pack a few key essentials to keep you feeling well."

"Plenty of hand sanitizer We all know there's not always soap and water readily available on the road or in the air. "When you can't physically wash your hands, keeping a small hand sanitizer or wipes can help," Dr. Hoke says. The CDC recommends hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol, like this eight-pack Purell option, which is made with 70 percent alcohol to kill 99.99 percent of germs."

Early signs indicate the season may be moderate to severe due to current numbers and last year's high severity, so preparation is essential. Vaccination, handwashing, and covering the mouth and nose during coughs or sneezes reduce spread of respiratory germs. Physical barriers like N95 masks lower transmission in crowded or confined spaces. Hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is effective when soap and water are unavailable. Travelers can pack masks, small hand sanitizers or wipes, and other protective essentials to stay healthier while passing through airports, hotels, and public spaces during cold and flu season.

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