You're going away on holiday. Everything is packed, you've sorted your car parking at Melbourne airport and know exactly what you'll do at your destination. The only thing that could stand in the way of you having the best time is getting the dreaded airplane cold.
Luckily, we have uncovered why we get blocked sinuses in-flight and how to avoid the ordeal on your next trip!
Why do you get a cold after flying?
We tend to get sick when our immune system is under a lot of stress. Unfortunately, the low air pressure and oxygen compression in the cabin of a plane is anything but helpful here. Long flights can lower the number of lymphocytes (the main type of white blood cells) a study by researchers from the National University Singapore has shown. Since these cells combat bacteria and viruses, this can make you more prone to pick up the sniffles from someone else.
The fact that we are exposed to a lot of different people's breath – so to speak – raises the risk of infection further. As individuals cough or sneeze, if they have a virus, you're exposed to the droplets in the confined cabin space for the entirety of the flight. Simply put, your body is bombarded and can't always defend itself.
Prevent getting sick
It's not all doom and gloom though. Follow these simple tips and you're less likely to get the sniffles after spending a long time in the plane:
1. Keep your nose fresh
Using saline solution both before and after your flight helps clean out your nostrils. This means the chance of having allergens, viral pathogens and any other infections affect you is decreased.
2. Drink a lot of liquids
It is a recurring mantra, but staying hydrated really is magic. Your body doesn't fare well if it's dried out, so make sure to keep sipping water throughout the flight.
3. Wash your hands
While it may seem like a mundane task, you should wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face. Not only will you stay hygienic yourself, but you're less likely to spread viral infections around.
Now that you know how to avoid getting that nasty plane-cold, make sure your car is well taken care of while you're off having fun on your next holiday! 
