Stay Protected When Traveling.

Common viruses and close contact when traveling can wreak havoc on your immune system, especially during the holidays when we see peak travel days across the U.S. Doctors at MedStar Health share advice on how to stay protected:

If you do not feel well, stay home. Delaying a trip is wiser than spreading a virus. You will feel much better when traveling once recovered, and those you share transportation with will thank you, too.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol consumption can impair the body's immune system, as well as sleep, which is vital to maintaining the immune system. It also dehydrates the body.

Open the vents above your seat on planes. Airlines adopted new airflow technology at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with filters able to circulate clean air every two to three minutes--if the vents are open.

Wear a mask in crowded situations. Viruses spread through respiratory secretions when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface that another person then touches. The best way to stop the spread of saliva and mucus when you are in close contact is by wearing a mask.

Stay vigilant with hygiene. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer, will slow the spread of viruses.

Take a multivitamin. Doing so...