travel head congestion

Flying With a Cold? Here's What You Should Know

The sniffles, the sneezing, the cough you try to muffle, the dirty looks from fellow passengers: flying with a cold can be brutal. Not to mention it can be painful for you, too. But how do you decide whether a few sniffles are worth skipping a trip for? We asked doctors for advice on how to recognize when cold symptoms are severe enough to cancel your air travel plans. Is a runny nose bad enough to ground you, and what are the risks? How can you stop your germs from spreading, and how do you best manage the symptoms at 30,000 feet? The answers can be complicated and depend on your individual comfort level.

Ask yourself: should I even fly with a cold?

“If you have a cold you can’t get under control by over-the-counter medications, I wouldn't fly at all,” says Jeffrey Linder, M.D., an associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “There has to be some consideration for your fellow travelers .”

Prior research shows that those who sit within two rows of someone with flu-like symptoms are at a 3.6 percent increased risk of contracting the illness themselves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines who might be too under-the-weather to fly—namely, anyone with a fever of 100° F (38° C) or higher and a severe cough, or difficulty breathing, or the kind of stomach sickness that makes a hangover look like a picnic. If their suggestions are making you rethink your upcoming trip, here's how to get a refund if you're too sick to fly .

Why don't my ears pop when flying with a cold?

If you can’t postpone your trip and your symptoms are under control, we’ll warn you: flying with a cold can hurt. “If you have allergies or a viral infection such as the common cold, your mucus membranes are inflamed and swollen,” says William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of preventative medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

That swelling clogs the Eustachian tube, which connects your inner ear with the back of your throat, Schaffner says. In a normal situation, this tube helps equalize pressure between your inner ear and the outside world. When that tube is clogged, it's harder for your ears to pop . As you take off (and the air pressure in the cabin drops), higher pressure within your inner ear pushes out, but can’t equalize with the lower pressure in the cabin, he says.

According to Linder, the results can be painful and frustrating symptoms include:

• Blocked ears
• Hearing loss for a few days
• Bleeding or even ruptured ear drum (in extreme cases)

You might feel this more during the plane's descent, too, he adds. “It’s easier for air to get out, but it can be hard for air to get in when we are descending and moving to a higher pressure environment.”

What to do before you fly with cold symptoms

Take decongestants

Medicines like Sudafed work to reduce swelling around your Eustachian tubes, giving the ear more of a shot at equalizing, says Linder. He suggests taking longer-acting medications—12-hour or 24-hour—an hour before takeoff.

Try nasal sprays

Really stuffed up? The nasal spray Afrin—taken 30 minutes before takeoff and then 30 minutes before descent—can help shrink swollen tissues, too, and it's available over the counter at most drugstores.

Pack lozenges

Keep hard candy to suck on or gum to chew in your carry-on as well. Moving your jaw and swallowing can change the pressure in your throat, opening the Eustachian tube. Schaffer also says to drink up. “If you have a cold, keep up your hydration. This moisture will help prevent nasal secretions from drying, becoming uncomfortable and clogging up the Eustachian tube.”

In addition to these tips, it's important to remember to practice simple hygiene. “Carry some facial tissue, so that you can contain your drippy nose as well as your coughs and sneezes. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently,” Linder advises.

...And after you land

Post-flight, you might be stuck with clogged-up ears or have a hard time hearing for a few days. To ease the trouble, continue with your decongestants and try a hot shower once you reach the hotel, says Linder. “The steam can soothe inflamed, angry mucus membranes.”

If you’re up for it, move around a bit. Some easy exercise —a slow jog or walk—actually makes you feel better, says Schaffner, and can help open stuffy nasal passages.

This article was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated with new information.

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Home » Daily » Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat » Getting Sick After Flying? How to Prevent That Cold or Nasty Sinus Infection

Getting Sick After Flying? How to Prevent That Cold or Nasty Sinus Infection

You're not alone if you feel as if you're getting sick after flying: around 20 percent of people on commercial flights develop symptoms of the common cold within one week of travel..

Researchers are finally starting to gather and publish more data about the health risks associated with airplane travel.

© Martinmark | Dreamstime.com

With literally billions of people traveling by air every year now, researchers are finally starting to gather and publish more data about the health risks associated with airplane travel. In terms of the common cold, it is now well-accepted that acute respiratory infections are frequently experienced after air travel. So it’s no surprise when we find ourselves getting sick after flying.

Studies have found a high prevalence and wide array of respiratory viruses in people who have recently traveled.[2] Up to 20 percent of passengers may develop respiratory infections within one week after air travel and that flight attendants have significantly more respiratory infections than those who do not frequently fly.

FYI WHAT ABOUT MOTION SICKNESS?

Getting sick after traveling on a plane, train, or boat is one thing. Getting sick during travel is another. Motion sickness, though, is not uncommon; it can cause such symptoms as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Read about how to treat (and prevent) the condition in our post “ Motion Sickness: If It Hits You on Long Trips, Consider These Prevention Steps .”

Can Traveling Make You Sick?

So why does flying on a plane increase our susceptibility to getting sick?

• Spread of exhaled infected droplets. Airline cabins have lots of people in a crowded space who are there for long “exposure times,” so the risk of infection via airborne transmission could be high—especially if one or more passengers are infected with an airborne infectious disease. Droplets exhaled by an infected passenger may contain infectious agents such influenza. In fact, droplets have been shown to spread through the air from a single cough, a single breath, or a few seconds of speaking. Exposure to the row in front and the row behind occurs within 30 seconds and extends to seven rows within minutes.[3]
• Low air pressure and oxygen compromise immune function. The conditions of low air pressure and low oxygen have been shown to impair certain immune system functions for a few days after long flights.[4] Researchers, to test how typical airplane air pressure and oxygen levels affect the immune system, studied the effects of a simulated 10-hour flight at an average cruising altitude of 8000 feet and then measured markers of immune system function in 52 healthy volunteers. They looked at blood samples before and on days 1, 4, and 7 after the flight. The researchers observed a number of immune system changes in the immediate days following the simulated flight. For instance, the subjects’ lymphocyte responses were decreased. Lymphocytes include T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes are the primary type of white blood cells made by the immune system to combat viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. These immune changes, they concluded, “may contribute to an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections commonly seen after long-haul flights.”[4]

Venous Thrombosis : Another Health Concern Tied to Air Travel

The lower oxygen levels and prolonged sitting on long flights doesn’t just impair your immune system’s ability to fight infections, it also puts you at risk for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Together, these two conditions make up the third most common cardiovascular disease after heart attack and stroke.

For persons who contract the conditions, they carry a high risk of death and permanent complications. Deep vein thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually in your legs. Deep vein thrombosis can cause leg pain, but often occurs without any symptoms. Pulmonary embolism is a complication of deep vein thrombosis in which one or more arteries in your lungs becomes blocked by a blood clot that has traveled to your lungs from your leg.

While these conditions are of most concern for people with chronic respiratory diseases, doctors who specialize in travel medicine and lung diseases have been trying to spread the word for years that all travelers need to take precautions to avoid venous thromboembolism. This involves avoiding excess alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks, remaining mobile, and exercising during the flight.

For air travelers with a history of venous thromboembolism, obesity , heart disease , significant medical illness in previous six weeks, immobility, pregnancy, or estrogen therapy (hormone replacement  therapy or combined oral contraceptive pill), experts advise that in addition to the above advice, travelers wear compression stockings, avoid sedatives, and avoid sleeping for prolonged periods in abnormal positions. They also recommend a preventive dose of blood thinning medication for those at high risk of clots, such as those who have recently had a stroke, major surgery, or trauma.

How to Avoid Catching a Cold on a Plane: Three Strategies

To reduce your risk of getting a respiratory infection while on a flight, here are three specific actions you should take:

• Irrigate your nose (or your children’s) with a saline solution —both before and after the flight—by using a dropper or small squirt bottle. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution helps clean out at least some of the allergen, fungal, and viral pathogens from the nose and thus can help to reduce the risk of getting a sinus infection after flying. Keeping the nasal cavity moist in the dry atmosphere of an airplane cabin is also most beneficial.
• Drink lots of water throughout the flight.
• Take an herbal medicine with immune-boosting properties such as Echinacea for a week or two before the flight. Australian researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial to study whether a standardized Echinacea supplement is effective in the prevention of respiratory and other symptoms associated with long flights.[5] They gave 175 adults travelling for 15 to 25 hours Echinacea (root extract, standardized to 4.4 mg alkylamides) or placebo tablets starting 14 days before travel. The Echinacea group had lower respiratory symptom scores compared to placebo during travel. If you’re planning on traveling by air, you can give your own immune system a boost with Echinacea or other immune stimulating natural therapies starting at least two weeks before you travel. For more ideas on natural immune boosters for prevention of viral infections, such as Elderberry, Beta-Glucans, and Red Korean or American Ginseng, see our post “ 3 Immune System Supplements to Prevent the Flu this Winter .”

[1] AMA. 2002 Jul 24-31;288(4):483-6.

[2] Infect Dis. (2007) 195 (5): 675-679.

[3] Indoor Air. 2011 Aug;21(4):341-50.

[4] Aviat Space Environ Med. 2012 Apr;83(4):418-23.

[5] Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012; 2012: 417267.

Originally published in 2015, this post is regularly updated.

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As a service to our readers, University Health News offers a vast archive of free digital content. Please note the date published or last update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Kathleen Jade, ND

Dr. Kathleen Jade is a naturopathic physician and served for many years as the Medical Director and Editor-In-Chief of Natural Health Advisory Institute. She has been licensed as a primary …  Read More

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• Travel Tips

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

Being sick is never fun, and traveling while sick is even worse. While it is never ideal to be traveling with a sinus infection, sometimes there is no other option. If flights are non-refundable or you simply need to get somewhere, flying with a sinus infection might be your only choice.

I’ve been there several times. When I was younger, my family used to get sinus infections several times per year. As most people with frequent sinus problems know, sometimes an infection – especially a viral infection – just needs to run its course.

This post will cover everything you need to know before you fly with a sinus infection, including some tips I have learned over the years.

Sinus pain and airplanes aren’t a great combination, but there are several things you can do to make your flight as tolerable as possible. The good news is that as long as your doctor agrees, there’s a strong chance you won’t need to change any travel plans.

I am not a doctor, and this post does not provide medical advice. Rather, this post suggest strategies for flying with a sinus infection if your doctor gives you approval to fly.

Is It Safe to Fly with a Sinus Infection?

As a general rule, it is relatively safe (although not recommended) for you to fly with a sinus infection if it is your only illness and you are in otherwise good health and as long as your doctors agrees. Pilots and flight attendants run into this issue frequently, as you might imagine. While it is always better to stay home than to board a flight with a sinus infection, you usually can fly if you have a real need to.

If you are an otherwise healthy individual, and your sinus infection is not contagious, you should be fine to fly. If you have any other ailments, like a fever, cough, or an ear infection in the middle ear or deeper, you may want to reconsider flying.

While the above is true for adults, the case with small children and babies may be different. A baby’s nasal cavity is significantly smaller than an adult’s, and several treatment options for adults aren’t recommended for children. The painful symptoms of a sinus infection may be worse for babies as a result.

Consult Your Doctor Before Flying with a Sinus Infection

While most people with a sinus infection can fly at little risk to themselves, you should always consult your doctor before boarding a plane while sick. Your doctor understands your unique health best, and they can properly recommend flying or staying home. The best way to know whether or not it is safe is by asking your primary care physician.

One of the biggest things that needs to be considered is the overall strength of your immune system and any other ailments or health conditions that you may have. Airplanes, while frequently sanitized, are cesspools for germs. This is because all of the air is recycled through the cabin several times throughout a given flight.

While airplanes now use great air purification systems because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s still always a chance of getting sick onboard an airplane. In addition to that, there are rapid changes to an airplane’s cabin pressure during takeoff and landing, which can be rough on inflamed sinus cavities and cause dull ear pain to ring even more.

These recycled germs, the plane’s dry air, plus the air pressure changes that occur during takeoff and landing can really leave infected nasal passages in pain.

Consider the Risk You Pose to Other Passengers Before Flying

You aren’t the only one to consider when you are thinking about flying with a sinus infection. There will likely be hundreds of other passengers onboard your flight to whom you don’t want to spread your sinus infection.

Generally speaking, sinus infections aren’t very contagious, if at all. If all you have is a sinus infection, you can likely fly without infecting any other passengers. However, if you have any other symptoms, the odds of infecting fellow passengers go up significantly.

That is because sinus infections are usually caused by another culprit. Most people who wind up with a sinus infection start out with a common cold or flu-like infection. If the immune system struggles to fight it off, other infections may take hold.

If your flu or cold symptoms have subsided, or if you never had them to begin with, you may no longer be contagious. In this case, you can fly without posing too great of a risk to other passengers.

In any case, it is best to take measures to protect other passengers. Frequently washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and potentially wearing a mask in tight spaces are all ways that can protect against the spread of your infection. If you want to be extra cautious, you can even get tested for common detectible infections before flying, like the flu.

Risks of Flying With a Sinus Infection

If you suspect you have a sinus infection, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor before traveling. While many people with sinus infections can safely travel as long as they mitigate symptoms, this isn’t the case for everyone. If someone has an underlying sinus issue or a different underlying condition, like high blood pressure, air travel may cause severe pain that requires medical attention.

The pressure difference that occurs from rapidly ascending to a high altitude while dealing with certain sinus conditions can be very painful and even damaging. When you have a sinus infection, each eustachian tube has a hard time acclimating to changes in external pressure. Your doctor is the best judge of whether or not you are at risk of developing severe symptoms.

Symptoms of a Sinus Infection

If you are feeling under the weather and are considering airplane travel, it’s important you get a diagnosis first. While you should visit with your doctor before an upcoming flight, sinus infection symptoms may include:

• Ear pressure
• Stuffy nose
• Severe sinus pressure
• Facial pressure
• A burning sensation at the back of the nose or top of the throat (post-nasal drip)

Tips for Flying with a Sinus Infection

Whether you have an acute sinus infection or a form of chronic sinusitis, flying can be challenging. Luckily, I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that help to alleviate the symptoms of sinus issues while flying! Depending on the person, some of these preventative measures may be more helpful than others, but they’re all worth trying.

1. Fill Up on Vitamin C for Several Days Prior to Flying

One of the best things you can do before flying with a sinus infection is to make sure your body’s stores of vitamin C are adequate. Your body stores vitamin C to use to fight against infections when needed. While many people think they can just gulp down an Emergen-C or a few glasses of orange juice before they leave for the airport, this isn’t the best approach.

Your body can only absorb so much vitamin C in a given day. While products like Emergen-C have their advantages, consuming 10x your daily recommended value of vitamin C in one sitting is actually very ineffective. Much of that will leave the body without ever being absorbed.

A better way to make sure your body has enough vitamin C before flying is to focus on ingesting a healthy amount every day for a week prior to flying. This consistency helps your body to absorb the vitamin more efficiently, and it can help to both fight your infection and prevent it from spreading.

2. Pack a Nasal Decongestant Spray

Nasal congestion tends to get much worse on airplanes because of the rapid changes in cabin pressure. This is why some perfectly healthy people even get congested on a long flight! If your sinus’ mucous membranes are already inflamed before flying, the additional pressure of the flight will probably make things worse.

Nasal sprays are one of the best tools available for temporary relief from sinus pain while flying. Some nasal sprays contain active medicinal ingredients, while others are just saline sprays. Both can be very effective at temporarily opening up the sinus passageways and facilitating easier breathing.

If you can’t get your hands on a nasal spray, you could make your own saline solution by mixing two teaspoons of non-iodized salt to a quart of distilled water. If you are flying, it’s best to use the spray about a half hour before takeoff so that the spray can kick in before your sinuses experience sharp changes in pressure. Saline rinses are a great way to maintain sinus health even when you aren’t sick, too!

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

When fighting any illness, one of the best things that you can do is hydrate. Your body uses a lot of water when fighting off a sickness, and it’s very important you focus on drinking plenty of water each day leading up to your trip. Similar to vitamin C, it’s best to start hydrating several days in advance of your upcoming flight.

This is doubly important when it comes to air travel, as flying even when healthy can be very dehydrating . The dry air in aircraft cabins along with several other factors can easily dehydrate passengers. When you’re sick, it’s crucial that you drink as much water as you can.

4. Pinch Your Nose and Blow Softly

One of the best ways to regulate the pressure in your sinuses and ears is the Valsalva Maneuver. This refers to the concept of blowing your nose softly while pinching both nostrils shut. This tactic forces your inner ear and sinuses to regulate against the external air pressure.

This method is considered safe as long as you blow softly. If you blow too hard, you risk potential harm to your eardrum. Severe cases may even lead to a ruptured ear drum.

Done cautiously, this is one of the best ways to alleviate pressure buildup while flying with a sinus infection.

5. Rest Up Before Flying

One of the best things you can do before any long trip is make sure that you are well-rested. Jet lag is much worse if you depart on short sleep, and this is even more true when you’re sick. Focus on getting adequate sleep several nights in a row before your trip, as well as sleeping on the plane.

6. Chew Gum on the Flight

When you have a sinus infection, your sinuses and eustachian tubes have a hard time regulating pressure. Swallowing and chewing are two motions that help your ears to regulate. Chewing gum naturally encourages both of these motions, which can help your ears to regulate more regularly throughout takeoff and landing.

This is also why many experts recommend feeding a baby during takeoff and landing . Their ears have a hard time regulating to the changing cabin pressure, and the suckling and swallowing motions help their ears to smoothly acclimate.

7. Opt for Direct Flights When Possible

When flying with a sinus infection, takeoff and landing are the biggest challenges. Once you reach cruising altitude, there is little to worry about until your final descent.

With that in mind, it makes sense to book direct flights whenever possible if you will be traveling with a sinus infection. Every layover adds an additional takeoff and landing for your body to deal with. This can be very taxing on your sick body, even if you are otherwise healthy.

If you get sick after booking your flights, and your itinerary has a layover, look into your airline’s flight change policy to see if you can switch to a direct flight. Many airlines allow free changes, which can be a big advantage when you’re sick.

Hopefully this post answered any questions you may have about flying with a sinus infection. If you have any further questions, let us know by dropping a comment below!

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Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Paulina Soto

Really appreciated the tips on flying with a sinus infection. It’s reassuring to know what precautions to take and how to manage the discomfort. The advice on hydration, using a nasal spray, and consulting a doctor before flying is especially practical. Definitely a must-read for anyone facing this dilemma!

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• General ENT Services

How To Manage Sinus Pain While Flying

Flying can be stressful enough as it is, but throwing sinus pain into the mix can make air travel unbearable. So why do some people suffer from sinus pain when they fly, also known as aerosinusitis, and how can it be managed?

What causes sinus pain to occur while flying?

The sinus cavities play a crucial role in our immune system, but when they become blocked or inflamed, you begin to experience sinus pressure. The increasing pressure leads to sinus pain that can usually be felt around the nose, cheekbones, eyes, and forehead. Bending over may make it worse.

When flying, the body has to react to changes in cabin pressure during the flight. Your sinuses and ears can usually adjust quickly to the changing pressure so that you avoid pain or injury. However, when you are suffering from an underlying sinus issue, your sinuses may be slow to react, causing immense sinus pain while flying. Some underlying conditions that can cause your sinuses to adjust slowly to changing pressure include:

• Acute, chronic, or recurrent sinusitis
• Ear infection

Sinusitis is one of the most common causes of chronic sinus pain while flying. At Cumberland Valley ENT, we can diagnose and treat sinusitis before your next flight.

I don’t want severe sinus pressure on my next flight  

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis occurs when the mucous membranes in the sinuses cannot drain properly due to inflammation or a blockage. It can lead to chronic sinus pain and infections. Some sinus infections include:

• Sinus pressure
•  Runny nose
• Postnasal drip
• Sore throat
• Reduced sense of smell

If you suffer from a combination of these symptoms for several weeks at a time, you may be suffering from chronic sinusitis. Cumberland Valley ENT offers a long-term minimally invasive sinusitis treatment called Balloon Sinuplasty.

Balloon Sinuplasty gently opens up your sinuses so that they can drain again, relieving any chronic sinus pain you may be suffering from.

I want more info about Balloon Sinuplasty

How to prevent sinus pain while flying?

Getting long-term relief from the underlying sinus condition that causes your sinus pain is the best way to relieve your sinus pain while flying. However, that’s not always possible if you have a flight coming up soon.

Two of the most common ways to manage sinus pain while flying are chewing gum or sipping water during take-off and landing. You can also try taking medications such as decongestants or using the Valsalva maneuver .

The Valsalva Maneuver

• Close your mouth.
• Squeeze the nostrils closed with one finger.
• Gently attempt to exhale out of your nose while keeping your nose pinched and mouth closed.
• Continue until you relieve the pressure.

Flying with sinus infection pain does not have to last forever.

At Cumberland Vallery ENT, we can diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your sinus problems. We can work with you to discuss your history of sinus pain and your overall health goals to create a treatment plan that will be specific to you.

Schedule now

16 Dec Why Air Travel Can Impact Your Sinus Health (And What You Can Do)

If you experience pain, pressure, and other uncomfortable sinus symptoms in flight, you already know air travel can have the potential to wreak havoc on your sinuses. Understanding the relationship between flying and your sinuses can help you prevent painful sinus symptoms and protect your sinus health while traveling.  

Whether you are a frequent flyer or just have travel plans in your future, read on below to learn more:  

Why can air travel have a negative influence on your sinus health?

Airplane cabin air supply, germs

On an airplane, the cabin air supply contains various contaminants that carry potential harm to the sinuses—and may play a role in introducing bacteria into the sinus cavities.

Of course, traveling also exposes you to more people, places, and surfaces—increasing the potential to come into contact with germs and viruses. People often get sick while traveling by transferring those germs and viruses from surfaces to their eyes, mouth, and nose.  

Dry airplane air

Airplane air is dryer than typical air. The low humidity of cabin air can inflame the sinus’s delicate mucous membranes. The lack of moisture can also disrupt their natural cleaning process—leaving you more vulnerable to infection.   This is because dry air decreases the flow of mucus in the nose and lets bacteria and viruses stick to the inside the nose—and the insufficient moisture diminishes your body’s ability to flush them out.  

Combined with the increased exposure to air contaminants—those who easily susceptible to sinus infection—and even those who aren’t—may find themselves landing with the onset of sinusitis.  

Cabin pressure  

The changes in barometric pressure that occur when flying can also be harmful to your sinuses, cause painful symptoms and contribute to your risk of infection.   During take-off and landing, changes in the air pressure inside the plane’s cabin affects the air inside and outside of your head—which normally, should be balanced. If your sinuses are congested, however, there will be an unbalanced amount of pressure. Not only can that be a very painful experience, but it can also increase nasal congestion, heighten allergies, worsen colds, and even trauma to the sinuses, if severe enough.

The failure of sinus or ear pressure to equalize with that of the cabin pressure, can also increase your susceptibility to infection and blockages of the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose). As a result (without preventative measures and if left untreated), you may develop tinnitus or “ringing of the ears,” vertigo, and other ear potentially serious problems. Yikes!

What can you do to protect your sinus health when you fly?  

While frequent air travel has the potential to lead to sinus problems, there are of course, other potential contributing factors. Those who already deal with sinus issues, in particular, may find flying makes things worse.  

Below are some tips to help prevent sinus problems and minimize the damaging effects flying can have on your health:  

• Use a saline solution frequently—before, after, and even during—air travel to help maintain moisture in the nose, and clear pathogens and irritants from the sinus area  
• If you experience sinus pressure during flights, using a decongestant spray before boarding and/or landing can help keep nasal passages clear; taking an oral decongestant before your flight can also be helpful (decongestants should be used cautiously, however, as they can also cause nasal dryness)
• Use hand sanitizer frequently (and/or wash your hands), and avoid touching your face with your hands
• Get adequate rest and nutrition
• Drink plenty of water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol (which can dehydrate you)  
• Complete the “Modified Valsalva” maneuver by closing your mouth and lightly pinching your nose shut—while swallowing and blowing into the nose  (t his exercise works to help equalize the pressure in one’s head, sinuses and ears during lift-off and landing)

If you are a frequent flyer and chronic sinusitis sufferer—or experience painful sinus issues while traveling—get checked out by a specialist and don’t put off treatment.  

Contact our office today. We’re happy to help. Find the relief you deserve, so you can be free to roam.  

Book by phone:   +1 888 351 3336

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Flying with congestion

25 Sep 2023

Is flying with a sinus infection dangerous?

Congestion caused by a head cold or sinus infection can result in pain during air travel because of pressure changes. Is there anything flyers can do to alleviate head and ear pain caused by congestion? Here is our advice.

Is it safe to fly if you have congestion?

Anyone who has concerns about the effects of flying on a health condition like congestion should speak with a healthcare professional. They can tell you about any red-flag symptoms, and advise on managing less serious symptoms. You can ask for a doctor’s letter, which will help if you need to change your flight or make an insurance claim.

You may be worried about spreading your respiratory infection to others. If you can’t change your flight to a later date when you’re feeling better, be sure to wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of it considerately.

What causes congestion pain during a flight?

Congestion affects the body’s ability to deal with changes in pressure. When you go from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure, your ears pop. This is your body’s way of equalizing the pressure in your ears. But congestion and inflammation can prevent your ears from popping.

How can I relieve pain caused by congestion during air travel?

There are a few steps you can take to ease the discomfort of traveling when you have congestion. The first thing to do is ahead of your flight, take steps to relieve your congestion. Some people swear by a steamy shower. Others use decongestants, either tablets or sprays. Talk to a pharmacist to find a congestion remedy suitable for your trip. Treat any allergies that may be causing congestion, too.

During your flight, stay hydrated and encourage your ears to pop by yawning or by chewing or sucking candy.

After your flight, a shower can help also. But if the pain persists after your flight, seek medical advice.

Protecting your health on vacation with a good pre-travel routine

We recommend making a travel health appointment six to eight weeks ahead of your trip. A travel health adviser can tell you about the health risks you are likely to encounter on your trip abroad and suggest ways of reducing the chances they will make you sick.

This may include getting vaccinated against some diseases that are rarely encountered in the US, including tick-borne encephalitis, yellow fever and hepatitis A.

It’s best to get an appointment six to eight weeks before departure because you’ll need several shots of some travel vaccines to ensure the best protection. The good news is that some travel vaccines will boost your immunity for years to come, which represents excellent value for money if you’re a frequent traveler.

Global Travel Clinics has plenty of convenient downtown locations and lots of appointments. Use our clinics page to find your nearest travel health center. You can even make an appointment early morning or at the end of the day so you don’t have to use PTO for your travel shots.

Our vaccination and travel health clinics will ensure that you are up-to-date on all the travel immunizations recommended by healthcare professionals. Global Travel Clinics will ensure you are protected by all the recommended shots before you leave the country. We are currently focusing on Covid-19 PCR Swab Test, Antigen test, Antibody Test   &   Travel Certificates.

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Sinus headaches

On this page, when to see a doctor, risk factors.

Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. Perhaps your head throbs.

But, this pain might actually be caused by a migraine.

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Signs and symptoms of sinus headaches may include:

• Pain, pressure and fullness in the cheeks, brow or forehead
• Worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down
• Stuffy nose
• Achy feeling in the upper teeth

Sinusitis or migraine?

Migraines and headaches from sinusitis are easy to confuse because the signs and symptoms of the two types of headaches may overlap.

Both migraine and sinusitis headache pain often get worse when you bend forward. Migraine can also be accompanied by various nasal signs and symptoms — including congestion, facial pressure and a clear, watery nasal discharge. These are due to involvement of the autonomic nervous system in a migraine attack. In fact, studies have shown that most people who see a health care provider for sinus headaches are found to have migraines instead.

Sinusitis, however, usually isn't associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light — all common features of migraines.

Sinusitis usually:

• Occurs after a viral upper respiratory infection or cold
• Includes thick, discolored nasal mucus
• Is associated with a decreased sense of smell
• Causes pain in one cheek or upper teeth

Headaches due to sinus disease often last days or longer, and migraines most commonly last hours to a day or two.

Consult your provider if:

• Your headache symptoms occur more than 15 days a month or require frequent pain medicine available without a prescription
• You have a severe headache, and pain medicine available without a prescription doesn't help
• You miss school or work because of frequent headaches or the headaches interfere with your daily life

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sinus headaches are usually associated with migraines or other forms of headaches.

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms. Most of these headaches are not caused by sinus infections and generally should not be treated with antibiotics.

Sinus headaches can affect anyone but may be more likely if you have:

• A previous history of migraines or headaches
• A family history of migraines or headaches
• Hormonal changes associated with headaches

Whether or not you take preventive medications, you may benefit from lifestyle changes that can help reduce the number and severity of headaches. One or more of these suggestions may be helpful for you:

Avoid triggers. If certain foods or odors seem to have triggered your headaches in the past, avoid them. Your provider may recommend you reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake and avoid tobacco.

In general, establish a daily routine with regular sleep patterns and regular meals. In addition, try to control stress.

Exercise regularly. Regular aerobic exercise reduces tension and can help prevent headaches. If your provider agrees, choose any aerobic exercise you enjoy, including walking, swimming and cycling.

Warm up slowly, however, because sudden, intense exercise can cause headaches.

Obesity is also thought to be a factor in headaches, and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight.

Reduce the effects of estrogen. If estrogen seems to trigger or make your headaches worse, you may want to avoid or reduce the medications you take that contain estrogen.

These medications include birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Talk with your provider about the appropriate alternatives or dosages for you.

May 17, 2022

• Jayawardena ADL, et al. Headaches and facial pain in rhinology. American Journal of Rhinology & Allergy. 2018; doi:10.2500/ajra.2018.32.4501.
• Sinusitis. The Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/nose-and-paranasal-sinus-disorders/sinusitis?redirectid=737?ruleredirectid=30&qt=sinus%20headache&sc=&alt=sh . Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Kaniecki R. Sinus, disabling tension-type, and temporomandibular joint headaches. Current Opinion in Neurology. 2021; doi:10.1097/WCO.0000000000000918.
• Sinus infection (sinusitis). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sinus-infection.html. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Wootton RJ, et al. Evaluation of headache in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Sinus headaches. American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sinus-headaches/. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Schwedt TJ, et al. Acute treatment of migraine in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Schwedt TJ, et al. Preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 27, 2022.
• Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Headache-Hope-Through-Research. Feb. 27, 2022.
• Cutrer FM. Exercise (exertional) headache. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 13, 2022.
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Why flying while sick can make you feel worse

Respiratory illnesses can make it painfully difficult to equalize pressure in your ears and sinuses

As cuffing season meets coughing season and airport crowds are reaching pre-pandemic levels, more travelers are likely getting on a plane when they’re not feeling 100 percent.

The coronavirus , the flu and RSV are all circulating at such high levels that hospitals are overwhelmed . Health experts warn it’s best not to fly if you have any symptoms (and not just for selfless reasons). Not only do you risk getting the passengers around you ill, but the environment on board could make you feel even worse.

“Many of the conditions on aircraft can exacerbate your symptoms when you have a respiratory illness,” said Henry Wu, an associate professor of medicine at Emory University and director of the Emory TravelWell Center.

Here’s how flying while sick could affect you and your fellow fliers — and what experts say you should do about it.

6 tips to avoid getting your family sick during holiday travel

Flying can make congestion, sore throat and dizziness feel worse

Respiratory illnesses affect your sinuses and Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to your throat. Both are air-filled chambers, so when you’re on a plane, the pressure inside needs to equalize with the cabin pressure after takeoff and upon landing.

When you’re sick, however, the passages for drainage from those tubes become inflamed and narrow, making equalizing pressures more difficult, said Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health.

What’s the difference between RSV, the flu and covid-19?

“If you’ve got inflammation blocking your means of equalizing the pressure, that’s going to hurt,” he said.

That pain can continue even after your flight as inflammation prevents the pressure from equalizing, Adalja added. It can also lead to trouble hearing, vertigo, and in rare cases, damage to the eardrum, Wu said.

Aircraft cabins also have low humidity, which can exacerbate irritation of your mucus membranes and worsen a sore throat, Wu said.

It can also be a challenge to stay hydrated while flying, especially when you’re sick, leading to lightheadedness or feeling faint, he added.

How to know if you’re too sick to fly

Wu recommended travelers with any respiratory symptoms or fever get tested for coronavirus and the flu, and consider delaying their trip, even if you suspect it is only a common cold.

“It may be difficult to discern the common cold from the more serious respiratory infections like covid or flu or RSV, which is particularly dangerous for infants,” he said.

With the risk of spreading the sickness and exacerbating your symptoms, Wu said it’s better for travelers to be conservative about flying with an illness “for their own comfort and health as well as everyone else’s.” He added he has even seen airlines restrict travelers from boarding if they are visibly ill.

Adalja said anyone feeling shortness of breath before a flight — whether due to a severe respiratory illness or a chronic condition — should not travel, as lower oxygen levels in the air could impair your ability to oxygenate your blood. Most importantly, consult your doctor if you feel ill before a flight because each individual’s risk factors are different, Adalja said.

Jeffrey A. Linder, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University, said the “calculus has changed” in recent years to reduce the need to travel while ill, thanks to the ability to quickly test for the coronavirus and the proliferation of remote work.

“If you can’t get your symptoms under control with over-the-counter medicines, you should try to avoid flying,” Linder said.

Next covid wave could be on a collision course with holiday travel

How to manage your symptoms on a flight

If you must travel while sick, there are a few ways to prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

The most important factor is keeping your nasal and middle ear passages as open as possible, especially during takeoff and descent, Linder said. He recommended taking an oral decongestant like 12-hour Sudafed a few hours before flying, followed by a nasal decongestant spray 30 minutes before flying and 30 minutes before descending (nasal decongestant sprays should only be used for up to three days in a row).

Adalja also recommended the Valsalva maneuver — holding your nose and blowing out — as well as using saline spray to ensure your passages are as clear of mucus as possible before flying.

How to ask a seatmate to mask: The new etiquette for flights

It’s also important to stay hydrated and wear a high-quality mask if you absolutely have to be flying while sick, Wu noted. Wearing a mask can have the added benefit of maintaining higher humidity in your oral and nasal passages, he added.

Above all, Wu recommended that travelers stay home if they feel sick, even if there are no longer coronavirus test requirements in place or mandatory masking on planes.

“It’s still a kind of a transitional period in this pandemic where a lot of folks are still figuring out how to navigate the return of influenza, as well as rising covid numbers again this winter,” he said. “The most we can do is just to everyone take their own precautions, whether you’re sick or not, to try to keep the aircraft and airports as safe as possible for everybody.”

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How to tell when you’re too sick to fly

Flu and cold seasons are officially upon us — complicating the worsening coronavirus pandemic.

In the past, you may have shrugged off mild symptoms like a sniffly nose or a tickle in your throat. But now, you can't board an airplane without certifying you don't have any symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, a cough and more.

Beyond what the airlines may specify, travelers should watch for a laundry list of symptoms specified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which can appear between two and 14 days after exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting

Travelers need to be extremely mindful about even the most innocuous ailments now, as they could be an indication of COVID-19. But, even in normal times — or if the coronavirus isn't detected by a COVID-19 test — it's important to prioritize your health and the health of others. Here's why you should never board a flight if you're feeling sick.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

You have a fever

A good rule of thumb is to never fly when you have a fever, according to New York-based internist Dr. Frank Contacessa.

In addition to indicating a possible COVID-19 infection, a fever could also present itself if you have the flu .

"Having a fever, in general, will accelerate fluid loss from your body," Dr. Contacessa told TPG in 2019. "The very low humidity of the cabin air will dehydrate you even faster. Dehydration makes you feel even worse, increasing weakness, headaches, lightheadedness, etc."

You're vomiting

Sure, there might be vomit bags in the seatback pocket. But if you're throwing up before you get to the airport, it's a clear indication you need to delay your travels.

"If you have a fever over 100.4 degrees or are experiencing vomiting, there's a really good chance that you're contagious," Dr. Nate Favini, medical lead at Forward (a membership-based preventive care clinic), told TPG in 2019.

Related: It's flu season — here's how to avoid getting sick on a plane

You're short of breath

"The pressurized cabin air has less oxygen, which can make you feel short of breath if your airways are already inflamed from an infection," said Dr. Contacessa.

Dr. Favini added, "Flying is stressful on your body and your immune system in particular, so it can reduce your ability to fight off an infection. The air onboard is incredibly dry, and even healthy people end up extremely dehydrated at the end of their flight. You may end up being sicker or sick for longer because of flying while ill."

You could still be contagious

Back in 2019, before the coronavirus was a known threat, Dr. Favini told TPG that travelers experiencing any flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, runny nose, congestion, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea — are still contagious.

Even if it's not the coronavirus making you ill, you can still infect someone up to 6 feet away .

Related: How to boost your immune system so you don't get sick while traveling

You have ear pain

Something as minor as ear pain might also be reason enough to avoid flying. You know how your ears sometimes pop during taking off or landing? Well, if you have ear pain and pressure, then that brief moment of discomfort can become severe.

"The changes in pressure during the flight can cause your eardrum to burst if you have an ear infection and it's not properly treated before you take off," said Dr. Favini.

Your heart is racing

Even if you don't have the sniffles or more obvious symptoms of being sick , there is one tell-tale warning sign that you absolutely shouldn't fly. If you do, you could experience a serious medical emergency.

"If you're experiencing chest pain or a racing heartbeat, especially if this is new or severe, don't get on your flight," said Dr. Favini. "This can be a sign of a life-threatening medical condition, and even if the pilot does land your flight, it might not be fast enough for you to get the help you need. The same goes for shortness of breath."

Related: The best travel insurance policies and providers

When you can fly again

OK, let's say you've determined you're too sick to fly. When can you reschedule your trip?

"If you do change your plans and postpone your trip, you should wait until you have been without a fever for at least 24 to 48 hours," said Dr. Contacessa back in 2019.

And, of course, if you've been diagnosed with COVID-19, most airlines will ask you to delay travel for at least 14 days after testing positive. Some will require even a longer period of time since your diagnosis.

The CDC says you can be around others 10 days after symptoms first appear and 24 hours without a fever, and any other symptoms have improved.

Additional reporting by Melanie Lieberman.

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The Fastest Way to Relieve Congestion, According to Doctors

Tell those stopped-up sensations to "stuff it!" with these expert-recommended at-home congestion relief options.

Karla Walsh is a Des Moines, Iowa-based freelance writer, editor, level one sommelier and former fitness instructor and personal trainer who balances her love of food and drink with her passion for fitness. (Or tries to, at least!) Her writing has been published in AllRecipes, Runner's World, Shape and Fitness Magazines, as well as on EatingWell.com, Shape.com, BHG.com, ReadersDigest.com, TheHealthy.com, Prevention.com, WomensHealthMag.com and more.

Be it due to allergies, a cold, asthma or otherwise, congestion is a real pain in the neck. Actually, a pain in the face—that stuffed-up, achy sensation in the sinus area is no joke, as you can attest to if you're one of the 9 to 16% of Americans who experience it often.

Although it's far from pleasant, congestion is actually a sign that your immune system is working appropriately.

"Nasal congestion is the body's defense mechanism when it senses something foreign entering the nasal cavity," explains Jonathan Simmonds, M.D. , an ear, nose and throat physician and sinus and skull base surgeon at Westmed Medical Group in Rye, New York. "Structures that sit next to your septum, called turbinates, swell with cells that work for the immune system to fight off these foreign substances."

This swelling works to protect you by:

• Providing a larger surface area to capture these foreign substances, and
• Blocking off the nasal passage to prevent the invader from attacking the rest of the airway

While this is a terrific illness barrier when you are exposed to a virus, "it can be quite annoying when this happens in response to something innocuous, like pollen," Simmonds says, and allergies like this are actually a major cause of congestion.

Beyond that stopped-up sensation, symptoms can include runny nose, post-nasal drip (and perhaps a resulting sore throat or cough), a heavy head and a burning feeling in the sinus area.

When congestion occurs, the nose is producing more mucus in order to rid itself of something that it finds irritating—this could be a virus (like the common cold or flu), allergens or a sinus infection, adds Mary Pat Friedlander, M.D ., associate program director at the UPMC St. Margaret Family Residency Program in Pittsburgh. So the goal with any congestion-relief option is to loosen up or remove that mucus so you can breathe easier.

Most forms of congestion get better over time on their own—and recovery tends to speed up if you follow the pro tips below.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Here's some intel that will help you recover quicker from nearly any infection: "Rest and hydration help our immune system fight infections," says Monaa Zafar, M.D. , a primary care physician at Westmed Medical Group in Purchase, New York.

Women need around 91 ounces of H2O per day, while men should aim for about 125 ounces. (ICYMI, how much water you should drink, by the numbers .)

"Fluids are important anytime patients are under the weather, to help prevent dehydration from sweating or from appetite loss," adds Isabel Valdez, P.A ., a physician assistant and assistant professor of internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

2. Get steamy.

You'll score healing bonus points if some of those fluids come by way of warm liquids, such as hot tea .

"Inhaling steam from warm water or even from tea as you sip it, could help moisturize the sinuses and help loosen the mucus as well," Valdez says.

You can also get similar steam room-like benefits (for $0 and at home) in a toasty shower, so each morning and night, try to spend at least five minutes in the steamy environment of your shower bay.

"Steam from a hot shower works well for nasal congestion," Simmonds explains. "Unlike most other parts of the body, the nasal mucosa actually shrinks in response to heat. Steam will likely provide some temporary relief."

3. Flush things out.

The single most helpful and instant home remedy, according to Friedlander, is a saltwater rinse or a neti pot.

"This is a great way to relieve nasal congestion. Just be sure to use distilled water when making the solution," she says, which is a *must* according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's neti pot safety guidance .

To use a neti pot (like this NeilMed NasaFlo Neti Pot Sinus Relief with Premixed Packets) the FDA way:

• Wash your hands.
• Fill the pot with distilled or sterile water, or tap water you've boiled for five minutes then cooled to lukewarm. Add saline per package instructions.
• Stand with your head leaning over a sink and breathe through your open mouth.
• Tilt your head slightly sideways so one nostril is higher than the other, then position the spout of the neti pot in the higher nostril.
• As the water flows into the higher nostril, it will flow out the lower nostril and empty into the sink.
• Do this for about one minute, clear nostrils completely, then repeat on the other side.

A system like this Navage Nasal Care Starter Bundle makes the nasal irrigation process easier and more hands-off. "If using a neti pot is too cumbersome or even too gross, over-the-counter nasal saline spray can also be helpful," Friedlander says. (One to try: Simply Saline Nasal Care Daily Relief Mist Spray)

"These remedies can provide relief after one or two uses. With nasal rinses, the benefit increases with increased use," Zafar adds, noting that using a humidifier can also be effective.

4. Use caution with certain over-the-counter medications.

While it might be tempting to run to the drugstore to fill your basket with everything in the decongestant aisle—they are called de congestants !—these come with a warning from all of the medical pros we spoke to.

Common decongestant nasal sprays (oxymetazoline/Afrin and phenylephrine/Sinex) and decongestant pills (pseudoephedrine/Sudafed) should be used with caution because excessive use can eventually exacerbate the congestion, Zafar says.

A condition called "rebound congestion" may crop up after use of these medications for more than three days. "Your body can get used to these medicines, and if you use it constantly, you can end up with worse congestion than when you started," Simmonds says.

Avoid taking nasal decongestants for more than three days at a time.

5. Address any potential congestion triggers.

Antihistamines may help if your congestion is related to allergies, but the quickest and easiest solution is attacking the problem at its source.

"If your congestion is triggered by allergies or irritation, removing the allergen will offer the best help," Friedlander says.

Replace carpet with wood or tile floors that don't trap dust mites or dander. If possible, keep windows closed to avoid pollen inside and use HEPA filters in your HVAC system and air purifiers .

The Bottom Line

"If your symptoms are not improving, contact your doctor for further recommendations," Friedlander says, and keep track of the duration of your congestion and the other symptoms that come along with it to alert your medical care team.

No need to bring a "sample" if you do end up visiting your doc, however. (Yep, it happens, Friedlander says!) "The color of the congestion is not really important," she says, if said congestion includes mucus discharge.

Up Next : You're Not Imagining It: Here's Why Allergy Season Is Worse This Year

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How to Relieve Head Congestion

Last Updated: June 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH . Dr. Erik Kramer is a Board-Certified Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado. With over 15 years of experience, his clinical interests include obesity and weight management, diabetes care, and preventive care, as well as embracing a holistic approach to primary care. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Central Maine Medical Center. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 386,612 times.

Head congestion from a cold or allergies can make you feel awful! Luckily, there are a few simple remedies you can try to get yourself feeling better fast. To relieve head congestion, you'll need to unblock your sinuses so mucus can drain properly. Taking saline drops, drinking plenty of fluids, or turning on a humidifier are just a few things that might help.

Immediate Relief

• Many decongestants, such as phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, narrow the blood vessels to clear out nasal congestion. This also increases blood pressure. Therefore, proceed with caution if you already have high blood pressure.
• Decongestants can be found in tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups.
• Make sure to read the label carefully or talk to a doctor before taking a decongestant because serious side effects can occur in babies, pregnant people, and people with allergies. Take the correct dosage and do not abuse the medication.

• It is recommended to take saline drops after the use of a decongestant.
• Taking saline nasal drops will help you avoid the “rebound effect” often associated with taking a decongestant nasal spray too often.

• Zinc prevents the rhinovirus from multiplying and keeps it from lodging in the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. The rhinovirus is the source of most common colds.
• Despite these initial findings, there is still not enough evidence that zinc has the impact on reducing head congestion as previously advertised. Zinc will boost the immune system against the virus but will have little influence on congestion.
• Don’t use zinc nasal spray or drops, since these can cause permanent damage to your sense of smell. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public Go to source
• Using zinc supplements long-term can cause a copper deficiency, which may lead to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms and legs. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using zinc and ask whether you should also take copper supplements.

Dietary Changes

• Drink water, juice, or a clear broth. You can add lemon or honey to help soothe your throat and loosen congestion. Sipping on warm liquids, such as chicken soup or warm apple juice, could increase mucus flow and relieve blockage.
• A saltwater gargle can help relieve a sore or scratchy throat associated with congestion. Add about a quarter to one-half teaspoon (1.4-2.8 g) of salt into an 8  fl oz (240 mL) glass. Make sure the salt is dissolved before gargling.
• Try some aromatic or herbal tea to relax your body, soothe your throat, and provide temporary relief from head congestion.

• Pineapples contain bromelain, a mixture of enzymes that digest protein, which has been used for centuries in South America to reduce inflammation from sinus surgery.
• Garlic releases the enzyme allicin, which destroys bacteria and viruses, when you crush or chop it. Wait 10 minutes after you crush or chop garlic before cooking it.
• Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, nuts, eggs, and flaxseed have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate allergy-related conditions.

• Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C. Eat lots of oranges, grapefruits, and strawberries to utilize the full effect of antioxidants.
• Vegetables such as tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, kale, spinach, broccoli, and brussels sprouts also have lots of vitamin C. Make sure to choose red and green vegetables.
• Ideally, you should get most of your vitamin C from food rather than from supplements, and aim to make it a regular part of your daily diet. Taking vitamin C supplements right when you start to get sick is unlikely to help with your cold symptoms.

• Polyphenols are the main active ingredients in ginger (gingerol); red wine, tea, onions, dark leafy vegetables, fruits (quercetin); green tea extract (EGCG); and curry extract (curcumin).

Natural Remedies

• Maintain your humidifier regularly or it could become a health hazard. Monitor and clean your humidifier so that it does not become a haven for mold and the humidity level does not go too high or low. In both cases, you will cause more problems than you solve.
• In addition, consider taking a hot bath or shower, inhaling steam, or putting a hot cup of water under your nose to help loosen mucus.

• Nasal strips are flexible, stretchy bands made to fit right above the flare of your nostrils and stay there because of the adhesive.
• Nasal adhesive strips are designed to help open inflamed sinus passages. They are effective against colds, allergies, and congestion.

• Specifically, apply deep firm pressure to self-massage the point between your thumb and index finger. This will relieve stress on your large intestine.
• For the gallbladder, massage the back of your head at the cross between where the ear bone and neck meet.
• These 2 points have been identified as places that can be stimulated to help open up your sinuses and reduce your symptoms.

• High levels of stress cause the quality and quantity of sleep to decrease, resulting in dysregulation that intensifies the symptoms associated with allergies and sinusitis.
• Try socializing with family, friends, and colleagues, listening to peaceful music, or finding some alone or quiet time to rest your mind and body.

Clear Congestion With This Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

• Limit your consumption of dairy products, grains, sugars, and starchy vegetables while you are congested because they produce excess mucus. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Decrease the intensity of your exercise until you are decongested. Instead, try taking a walk or doing yoga. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Avoid drinking alcohol, soda, and coffee because they will dehydrate you, making your symptoms worse. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/24923-nasal-decongestant
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4359576/
• ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/zinc-for-the-common-cold-not-for-me-201102171498
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/359266/
• ↑ https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/sinus-infection/best-foods-to-eat-sinus-infection
• ↑ https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0715/p153.html
• ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002404.htm
• ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20338103/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sinusitis.html
• ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17980-nasal-congestion
• ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/try-this-easy-6-minute-acupressure-exercise-for-allergy-relief-video/
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body

About This Article

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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To relieve head congestion, take an over-the-counter decongestant medicine for quick relief in conjunction with over-the-counter saline nasal drops to keep your sinuses moist. Using a humidifier or taking a hot, steamy shower can also help loosen up head congestion and provide some relief. Be sure to drink plenty of water, juice, or clear broth to stay hydrated, which loosens congestion and makes it easier to get rid of. If you're having trouble sleeping through the night, try adhesive nasal strips so you can breathe more easily. To learn about dietary changes you can make that might help with head congestion, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Is it a cold, flu, RSV or COVID-19? Here’s how to tell the difference

Christopher Connolly, MD , is a board-certified internal medicine physician at Inova 360º Concierge Medicine with more than 24 years of clinical experience. Dr. Connolly previously served as the Medical Director and Chief Medical Information Officer of Nova Medical Group and Urgent Care. Most recently, Dr. Connolly worked as a primary care physician for Inova Primary Care in Ashburn and as a lead physician informaticist for Inova Primary Care.

It might start as a sniffle or a headache. You know you’re coming down with something — but what? Is it just a cold? Or could it be RSV, the flu or COVID-19? Do you need to call your doctor or just hit the couch?

You can often tell these viruses apart — if you know what to look for. From there, you can determine when you need to seek medical care.

Different viruses, different symptoms

At first glance, colds, flu, RSV and COVID-19 can look alike. All of them can start with symptoms that feel like a “head cold.” But a closer look reveals that these illnesses have some key differences.

Common cold symptoms

The mildest of these viruses, the common cold usually doesn’t require a doctor’s visit. You probably have a cold if your symptoms come on slowly and get worse over a period of 1 to 3 days.

Common cold symptoms usually include:

• Cough, which can be dry or productive (coughing up phlegm)
• Fatigue (typically mild)
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Watery eyes

A cold will usually not cause:

• Loss of taste or smell

Signs of the flu

The flu tends to make people more miserable than a cold. One of the first signs that it’s not a cold is its sudden onset. Within hours, you go from feeling fine to feeling terrible. If you have the flu, your symptoms may include:

• Body and muscle aches
• Fatigue (often severe)
• High fever up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which lasts up to 4 days
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea (usually in children)

It’s less common for people with the flu to experience:

• Productive cough
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

Spotting symptoms of RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) feels like a common cold to most young, healthy adults. But it’s not “just a cold.” Thousands of people — mostly adults over age 65 and infants — are hospitalized or die each year from RSV.

Symptoms of RSV often come on in stages and last a total of 7 to 14 days. Healthy adults may experience cold-like symptoms such as:

• Sore throat

Babies under 12 months of age and adults over age 65 may have more serious symptoms, including:

• Barking cough
• Cough with a lot of mucus
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite

RSV can become severe and cause trouble breathing, which can be life-threatening. Seek emergency medical care if you notice:

• Blue lips or fingernails
• Nostrils flaring
• Rapid breathing

COVID-19 symptoms

The current COVID-19 variant causes gradual, cold-like symptoms in most people. But like RSV, COVID-19 can be serious in older adults and people with other medical conditions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Fever and chills

Loss of taste or smell is a telltale sign of COVID-19. This symptom is much less common with other illnesses.

When to recover at home

Most of the time, people recover from these infections on their own, but there are exceptions. RSV can be dangerous for infants and older adults. COVID-19 and flu are more serious for older adults and people with other health issues.

The best course of action with a mild virus is to stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others. If you don’t have other health conditions or a weakened immune system, you can:

• Drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages
• Rest as much as possible
• Take over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms
• Use nasal saline for a stuffy nose

If you’re concerned about any symptoms, don’t wait it out. Contact your primary care provider or head to an urgent care facility. Many medical offices offer telehealth visits so you can discuss your symptoms without leaving home.

When you need a test

Most medical offices can do rapid tests for COVID-19, the flu and RSV. Testing can be helpful because:

• It tells your provider what kind of treatment you may need. For example, some people may benefit from antiviral medication for COVID-19 or the flu.
• It helps you protect others. If you find out you have RSV and you plan to be around a baby, for example, you could reschedule your visit.

Consider testing if you:

• Are over age 65
• Have health conditions like diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease, HIV or obesity
• Will have contact with someone at risk of severe illness, such as a baby, older adult or immunocompromised person
• Take immunosuppressant medications (medications that weaken the immune response)
• Work in a daycare or nursing home

When it’s an emergency

No matter what virus you have, some symptoms always require immediate medical treatment. Get emergency care if you or your loved one has:

• Bluish lips or fingernails
• Fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit
• Sudden confusion
• Trouble breathing

Stop illness before it starts

When it comes to any illness, prevention is critical. You can help reduce your risk of getting sick if you:

• Avoid being around people who are currently sick
• Get at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food

But even with the most diligent handwashing, you can still be exposed to viruses. Help protect yourself by getting vaccinated against:

• COVID-19: Vaccines protect against severe COVID-19 complications and lower your chances of getting long COVID. Vaccines are available for everyone 6 months and older, so talk with your provider to make sure you’re up-to-date.
• Flu: The flu vaccine reduces the risk of serious illnesses and hospitalizations and may reduce the length of symptoms. Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated flu shot yearly to protect against current flu viruses. 
• RSV: The RSV vaccine is available to anyone who is pregnant or at least 60 years of age. Getting the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect your newborn from RSV. Talk with your provider about whether this vaccine could benefit you.

Inova can help with any illness Everyone gets sick sometimes. No matter what level of care you need, Inova is here for you. We offer many convenient primary care locations across northern Virginia and beyond. For urgent needs, our Go-Health Urgent Care provides same-day, walk-in and virtual care. Our expert Emergency Care

10 Comments

Very informative. Thank you.

Wonderful information.

6 months ago I (age 70) caught, perhaps, the common flu, it lasted almost two weeks. I made an appointment, but the appointment was a couple days after symptoms went away & I was deemed fine. Merely a couple days later I caught something more serious, perhaps RSV, lasting over two weeks, coughing up phlem (which I saved for analysis, but never got such done). During both bouts I tested negative for COVID. Anyway, I feel like getting the flu or RSV vaccine would be redundant – I wish I could be tested & learn which illnesses I’ve caught.

When I was a kid of 14, on Long Island, NY, I worked in a drug store delivering Rxs and stocking shelves. That was 1959. There was a large box of Sputum Cups in the upper level storage collecting dust. No one ever cam in to buy one. Too bad I didn’t save any when the Big Walgreens put the drug store out of business while I was still working there paying my way through college!

Great help in determining between illnesses

I wish I had been feeling well enough to look at this e-mail earlier. My husband and I are 76 years old and recently went through what we are pretty sure was RSV. Our son who lives with us got it in early Dec, from an unknown source. He isolated as much as possible in his room. I came down with it Dec 26, and my husband started symptoms 5 days later. My son is now better after a second short reoccurance. I am now about 50% recovered and getting my energy back. My husband who is disabled by Lewy Body Dimensia is starting to get better. He had more fever than our son or I did. One night my husband’s fever broke and his jamas and bedding were drenched. We all have had “foggy brains” throughout. The thing we all noticed was how absolutely sticky (almost glue like) the mucus we had was–and I have not seen that noted elsewhere. My husband is still having jags of hard sneezing of 7-9 times, several times a day, enough to cause his eyes to get blood shot as well as fatigue him. This also populates his eyes with a white discharge that is very “burny” (but has been active for about 6 mo). Five eye doctors have assured us it is not infection. I am wondering if he has something else going on now and we should contact his doctor, or if these are within normal range of reactions? A wet wash cloth over his eyes for 5 minutes relieves the burning, but nothing seems to diminish the sneezing, which is continuing to increase in strength and frequency.

I have something very similiar going on here, on the tail end of three weeks of similar eye issues.

Did you figure out what it was?

Very helpful information as Ive caught the common cold from my husband today (watery burning eyes only) and we both got our spring Covid booster this past week so hoping for a quick recovery. Havent had a cold in years. Thanks

Very fatigue, scratching throat, my head feels big pressure (not headache). I’ve had covid 3 times. Last time, contracted 2 weeks from my doctors office. I went for my annual, started feeling sick 2 days later (on a Saturday). Monday got call from doctor’s office that 2 staff members had COVID the day I was there. And more infected on Friday….

I cannot get my energy up & never regained my lungs strength from first time covid in 2020. So since then always shortness of breath. Any one else feel like this after covid?

Yes I have times when I feel like I am not getting air to my lungs, A lot of times I have been bending over or walking for exercise. I was never this way before covid. I also lost my sense of smell and taste and have lost clumps of hair twice now. I had covid two years ago.

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Reasons for a Headache in Back of the Head

Tension headache, low-pressure headache, cervicogenic headache, occipital neuralgia, exertion headache, dehydration headache, cluster headache.

• When to Seek Treatment

Pain in the back of the head can have many causes. These include primary headaches which occur on their own without an underlying cause and secondary headaches which are symptoms of an underlying disease or condition. Nerve injury can also lead to back-of-the-head pain.

Tension headaches are one of the most common causes of pain in the back of the head, but there are other possible explanations. These range from arthritis and neck injuries to pinched nerves and medical procedures.

This article describes some of the more common causes of back-of-the-head pain, including when it is time to see a healthcare provider.

When to Call 911

Call 911 or go to your emergency room if your headache:

• Is accompanied by high fever, stiff neck, or confusion
• Is accompanied by one-sided weakness, vision problems, and slurring
• Occurs after a blow to your head or neck
• Is accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness, or fainting

Oleg_Ermak/Getty Images

A tension headache is the most common type of primary headache, accounting for nearly 90% of all headaches.

Tension headaches cause a gripping pain around the lower back of the head that can radiate to the neck and eyes. The headaches may be mild to moderate in intensity and are typically bilateral (affecting both sides of the head).

Other possible symptoms include:

• Light sensitivity
• Sound sensitivity
• Shoulder and upper back stiffness
• Trouble concentrating

Tension headaches are thought to be caused when neck and scalp muscles suddenly tighten. Possible triggers include stress, depression, anxiety, and head injury. Poor posture can also contribute by causing tension in your upper back, neck, and shoulders.

A low-pressure headache, also known as spontaneous intracranial hypotension , is a type of secondary headache caused when cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and spinal cord leaks through a tear in the surrounding membrane (called the dura mater ). The tear may occur after a spinal tap or following epidural (spinal) anesthesia .

The leakage of cerebrospinal fluid causes a sudden drop in pressure, triggering severe headache pain on both sides of the back of the head.

Other symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Fullness or ringing ( tinnitus ) in the ear
• Double vision
• Blurry vision

A low-pressure headache is felt while sitting or standing and worsens with coughing, sneezing, or exercising. The headache will usually resolve within 20 to 30 minutes of lying flat.

Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache caused by a bone, nerve, or soft tissue problem in the cervical spine of the upper back and neck, Possible triggers include spinal arthritis , a pinched nerve, or a neck injury.

Cervicogenic headaches cause unilateral (one-sided) pain that starts in the neck and radiates from the back of the head to the front. The pain is usually moderate to severe in intensity, non-throbbing, and worsens with head or neck movement.

• Neck stiffness
• Inability to turn the neck fully
• Dull arm or shoulder pain on the same side as the headache

Occipital neuralgia is nerve pain in the areas of skin supplied by the greater or lesser occipital nerves . These nerves originate in the neck and travel up each side of the head to the scalp.

Occipital neuralgia may arise from nerve entrapment (a pinched nerve), muscle tension, infection, degenerative disc disease, or whiplash injury .

Occipital neuralgia is unilateral and causes severe, sudden stabbing or shooting pain that begins in the neck and radiates to the top of the head.

• Vision changes
• Stuffy nose
• Numbness or tingling sensations on the same side as the pain

Exercise-induced headaches, also known as exertion headaches , cause pain during or immediately after physical activity. It is a type of primary headache thought to be caused when blood vessels rapidly expand to deliver more blood to the head. This, in turn, increases pressure in the skull.

Exertion headaches can last for minutes, hours, and sometimes days. They tend to affect males around 40 who exercise strenuously. The pain is typically bilateral (affecting both sides of the head) and is often described as throbbing or pulsating.

Other symptoms may include:

• Blind spots in your vision
• Nausea and vomiting

The underlying cause of exertion headaches is thought to be venous insufficiency (in which veins have problems moving blood back to the heart). A common cause of venous insufficiency is a heart valve problem , often unrecognized in the early stages.

As such, persistent exertion headaches may be a sign that you need to see a cardiologist .

A primary dehydration headache can occur when your water intake hasn't kept up with your body's demand for fluids. Dehydration is a common cause of headaches including migraines, especially in warm weather months. A secondary type can occur when dehydration affects another process in your body and the headache follows.

With dehydration, other symptoms like thirst may occur with the migraine or tension-type headache pain at the back of your head. These symptoms also can include:

• Urination changes, including a darker urine color and less frequent peeing
• Muscle pain, fatigue, and weakness
• Dry mouth , cracked lips, wrinkled skin
• Increased heart rate
• Feeling dizzy or like you might faint

To avoid dehydration headaches , drink plenty of water. You also can add fruits and other foods with high water content into your diet.

Cluster headaches are a type of primary headache that causes severe recurrent attacks of pain on one side of the head, typically around the eyes or temples. The symptoms arise suddenly without a visual "aura" commonly associated with migraines .

A cluster headache is often described as being worse than a migraine with burning, stabbing, drilling, or squeezing pain.

The headaches are so-named because they occur in clusters, ranging from one attack every two days to eight or more attacks per day. Each episode can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours.

• Facial redness
• A drooping eyelid on the same side as the pain
• A smaller pupil on the same side as the pain
• Eye redness on the same side as the pain

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown. Some scientists believe that it is caused by the sudden dilation (widening) of blood vessels that places pressure on the  trigeminal nerve that runs along the side of the face. Genetics and smoking are thought to contribute.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Most headaches are not dangerous. There are instances, however, when a headache warrants a visit to your healthcare provider, such as when:

• Headaches are frequent, severe, or interfere with daily activities.
• A new severe headache occurs after age 50, while pregnant, or in someone who is immunocompromised .
• A headache is triggered by sneezing, coughing, or exercising.
• You need to take pain medication regularly to control pain.

Pain in the back of the head can be caused by tension headaches, low-pressure headaches, cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, exertion headaches, or cluster headaches.

Some of these start with pain in the back of the head, while others start elsewhere on the head or neck. The location, speed, severity, and duration of the pain can give you clues as to the underlying cause.

HCA Virginia Health System. Don't delay: 12 signs you should go to the emergency room .

Jensen RH. Tension-type headache - the normal and most prevalent headache . Headache. 2018;58(2):339-45. doi:10.1111/head.13067

MedlinePlus. Tension headache .

American Migraine Foundation. What to know about low pressure headaches .

Cedars Sinai. Knowing the Signs of a CSF Leak .

Verma S, Tripathi M, Chandra PS. Cervicogenic headache: current perspectives . Neurol India. 2021;69(Supplement):S194-8. doi:10.4103/0028-3886.315992

Narouze S. Occipital neuralgia diagnosis and treatment: the role of ultrasound . Headache . 2016;56(4):801-7. doi:10.1111/head.12790

Choi I, Jeon SR. Neuralgias of the head: occipital neuralgia . J Korean Med Sci . 2016;31(4):479-488. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.479

Upadhyaya P, Nandyala A, Aitlani J. Primary exercise headache . Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2020;20(5):9. doi:10.1007/s11910-020-01028-4

National Headache Foundation. Springtime With Migraines and Headache Disorders .

Arca K, Halker Singh R.  Dehydration and Headache .  Current Pain Headache Reports . 2021;25-56. doi:10.1007/s11916-021-00966-z

Shaheen NA, Alqahtani AA, Assiri H, Alkhodair R, Hussein MA.  Public knowledge of dehydration and fluid intake practices: variation by participants' characteristics .  BMC Public Health . 2018;18(1):1346. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-6252-5

May A, Schwedt TJ, Magis D, Pozo-Rosich P, Evers S, Wang SJ.  Cluster headache . Nat Rev Dis Primers . 2018;4(1):18006. doi.10.1038/nrdp.2018.6

Phu Do T, Remmers A, Schytz HW et al. Red and orange flags for secondary headaches in clinical practice: SNNOOP10 list . Neurology. 2019;92(3):134-144. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006697

By Colleen Doherty, MD Dr. Doherty is a board-certified internist and writer living with multiple sclerosis. She is based in Chicago.

PennDOT I-476 traffic project aims to clear major highway congestion

P ennDOT began working on a major road construction project that is aimed at helping clear some of the traffic congestion on the blue route. 

The plan is set to include an upgrade of existing roadway shoulders to a consistent width and pavement thickness

In addition, the project will address relocation of drainage inlets in some shoulders, traffic signal modifications at interchanges, construction of gantries for signs and ITS devices, removal or upgrade of existing ramp metering devices, construction of emergency pull-off areas, and providing better access for emergency responders to enter and exit the highway(s) during incidents. PennDOT reported that most travel restrictions under this project will take place at night during off-peak travel times. PHL17’s Tyrone Sharper gives a live report from Broomall, Pa. 

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PHL17.com.

More From Forbes

Long-awaited plan to prevent highway deaths via v2x revealed.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled its plan to develop a national system for ... [+] interconnecting vehicles with each other and the traffic infrastructure.

Almost 40,000 people died on U.S. highways last year and close to a half-million perished in the past 13 years. But new federal plan to accelerate development of a connected vehicle technology announced Friday is aimed at not only reducing, but eliminating deaths on the nation’s roadways.

The technology is called V2X, or vehicles to everything.

Dr. Robert Hampshire, deputy assistant secretary for research and technology and chief science ... [+] officer, U.S. Department of Transportaton speaking at a briefing on a plan to develop a national V2X system.

“This technology allows vehicles to communicate with each other, with other road users, particularly vulnerable road users, roadside infrastructure with the goal of significantly reducing risk of crashes,” said Dr. Robert Hampshire, deputy assistant secretary for research and technology and chief science officer, at the U.S. Department of Transportation during a media briefing. “The power of V2X technology is transformative, we believe, as a critical tool as we go to mitigate and eliminate crashes across this nation.

Titled “Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment,” the plan’s goals for 2024-2028 include:

· V2X deployed on 20% of the national highway system

· Top 75 metro areas have 25% of signalized intersections

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Harris will propose $25,000 in down payment aid for first-time homebuyers as part of economic agenda, kamala harris releases economic agenda—here’s what to know.

· V2X enabled, 12 interoperable, cybersecure deployments

· 20 grants in at least 10 states utilizing the 5.895-5.925 GHz band

Shailen Bhatt, administrator, Federal Highway Administration, discussing a new V2X development plan ... [+] during a media briefing in Washington, D.C. on August 16, 2024.

“I am truly optimistic that with this plan, with the deployments, you know, getting 20% of our system deployed by 2028 with our private sector partners, our automotive partners, our cycling partners, our vulnerable road users who are out there,” said Shailen Bhatt, administrator, Federal Highway Administration. “These measured goals, and the funding that is there, we will achieve our goal of zero roadway deaths, not decades from now, not, you know, 25 years from now.”

Indeed, funding is a key necessity to turning the plan into reality. It was given a big boost through the bipartisan infrastructure law providing funds for $60 million in grants earlier this year for deployments in Texas, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming and in Arizona according to Bhatt.

The plan’s release was a long-awaited step forward for the head of the marketing association representing most of the nation’s automakers, who noted it had been unnecessarily delayed for many years.

“V2X is game changing. I agree. But the truth is, for far too long that work has been hampered by regulatory uncertainty,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation , during the briefing. “It is a crucial piece of this V2X puzzle, and I'm more optimistic than I've been in a long time about our collective ability to realize this life saving potential of V 2X technology in the U.S.”

On Thursday, three four people died and three were hospitalized in at least three crashes along the Ohio Turnpike near Swanton, Ohio.

National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy speaks from Ohio Turnpike commission ... [+] office in Swanton, Ohio during media briefing on federal plan to roll out V2X technology.

Speaking from the Ohio Turnpike commission office in Swanton, National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy averred a V2X system might have made a difference.

“The plan is a vital first step towards realizing the full life saving potential of this technology, technology that could prevent up to 615,000 crashes, that may have prevented the three fatal crashes that occurred right here in Swanton yesterday,” Homendy said.

This initiative comes following a report revealing just how soul-crushing U.S. traffic has become.

According to the 2023 INRIX Global Traffic Scoreboard released in June:

· Congestion cost the U.S. more than $70.4 billion in 2023, a 15% increase from 2022.

· The typical U.S. driver lost 42 hours to traffic congestion — the equivalent of a full work week, resulting in $733 worth of time lost.

· New York City tops the list of the most-congested areas. The typical driver in New York lost 101 hours to traffic jams in 2023, down from 105 hours in 2022. Financially, this cost the urban area more than $9.1 billion in lost time. The New York Urban Area is more congested than it was pre-pandemic, where drivers lost an average of 91 hours to traffic jams.

· Public transit ridership in the U.S. increased last year, but still 28% below 2019, pre-Covid levels of ridership, despite being up 15% over last year.

Indeed, the return to public transportation in this post-pandemic period may have less to do with a remaining reluctance to ride with other people than economics.

Tim Menard, founder and CEO at LYT, a traffic management technology company.

“One of the challenges that public transport has, and it's going to be a long tail problem, is the fact that because of Covid and what had happened, a lot of transit dependent individuals were forced to buy vehicles, and now they made that investment, so it's going to be a while until they turn around and either flip them and go back,” observed Tim Menard, founder and CEO of traffic technology company, LYT, in an interview.”

He noted public transportation is bouncing back quicker in some East Coast communities where that was traditionally the primary mode of getting around.

But looking at the bigger picture of increased congestion, Menard points out the combination of work from home and hybrid work arrangements has led to a change in traffic patterns.

The traditional morning and afternoon commuter rush hours have now given way to motorists on the road throughout the day on either work or personal trips, meaning even in what were former off-hours, there might be heavy traffic in some areas.

The key, he says, is using a combination of artificial intelligence and machine learning, in concert with V2X, to not only better regulate traffic in real time, but to be able to predict traffic conditions before they develop.

“You go to traffic light today, there's a little sensor right at the light, and if you show up on red, it's going to wait till you come to a stop, and that's going to make a change. But if it knew you were coming 30 seconds away and there were no other cars, you would never have to experience that sitting at a red light when no other cars around, because it would have just changed,” said Menard. “Now, if you take that back into daily traffic and during the day where the kind of hole is known, that's where this gets into just a whole new paradigm.”

His company, LYT, has used that technology in several cities with positive results, especially for emergency vehicles that need to reach their destinations as fast as possible.

“We've had lots of impact in transit, especially in cities like San Jose and Portland, where they've seen anywhere from 50% to 80% improvements in their travel times,” Menard said.

But while technology like AI and V2X may help traffic move faster, more safely, reduce stress and save time and money, Menard contends, the best idea is to use public transportation, declaring, “if we want safer roads, and we want to be able to have more fun and do whatever we want, it pays to let someone else take us.”

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NYC is trying to catch up to the biking boom. It's behind on its goals.

• NYC is far behind on requirements to build bike and bus lanes, among other non-car infrastructure.
• This comes after Gov. Kathy Hochul suspended a new toll on vehicles in Manhattan below 60th Street.
• Advocates stress the need for better bike infrastructure amid rising traffic deaths and congestion.

As urban dwellers around the world turn to two wheels to get around their cities, some governments are handling the shift better than others. The number of bicycle trips in Paris doubled between 2022 and 2023, thanks to a massive expansion of the French capital's bike lane network. Tourists in town for the Olympics are encouraged to cycle to the Games.

New York City has also seen a surge in bicycling since the pandemic caused many to avoid mass transit and ride shares. The success of the Citibike bike share program is a huge part of that change . But anyone who hops on two wheels in New York continues to face dangerous and congested roads.

The city Department of Transportation — which controls the streets, but not trains and buses — is behind on its longer-term plan to boost bike infrastructure. The city's five-year NYC Streets Plan, which became law in 2019, requires the city to build 250 miles of protected bike lanes by 2026, among other safe streets priorities.

So far this year, the city has completed just 2.3 miles of protected lanes, according to the advocacy group Transportation Alternatives . Last year, it built 38.6 miles of 50 required miles of protected bike lanes and in 2022 it built 19.9 miles of the 30 miles it was required to build. At this time last year, it had built 9.7 miles of lanes .

The city DOT told Business Insider that most bike lane construction happens in the second half of the year because of weather issues, and it disputed the 2.3-mile figure. But the department didn't provide an estimated number of bike lane miles it expects to complete this year. DOT noted that it built more protected lanes last year "than every major American city combined."

Adams isn't just required by law to build bike lanes. He campaigned for mayor on a promise to build 300 miles of protected lanes in his first four-year term. And the funding for the Streets Plan — more than $900 million — has already been allocated to DOT. The Adams administration has also fallen behind on other priorities in the Streets Plan, including building dedicated bus lanes and upgrading bus stops. Advocates say the slow pace of progress comes down to politics.

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"The money is there, the law is there, but the mayor doesn't seem to be there," said Elizabeth Adams, interim director of Transportation Alternatives. "And that's really what's holding this up."

The city has made progress in some areas. A DOT spokesperson noted to Business Insider that the city has built "over a million square feet of pedestrian space over two years, exceeding the target in the Streets Plan."

New York's plan to impose a new toll — known as congestion pricing — on vehicles that drive in Manhattan's central business district would have been a boon for more sustainable modes of transport. Fewer cars and trucks on the street means more space for bikers and pedestrians. Since London implemented congestion pricing 20 years ago, daily car trips have fallen while bicycling trips have quadrupled .

But since New York Gov. Kathy Hochul abruptly suspended the congestion pricing plan she had long celebrated , a less congested future — not to mention at least $15 billion for the city's subways and buses — is on hold.

In May, weeks before the city was set to implement congestion pricing, the DOT unveiled a plan to improve pedestrian and bike infrastructure to give New Yorkers better access to Manhattan below 60th street. The city insists it's moving forward with its plans despite the governor's about-face, and Adams said he supported Hochul's reversal on congestion pricing.

"We are continuing to develop these projects regardless of the pause. Many are either in construction, or will start construction soon," a spokesperson for DOT told Business Insider in a statement.

Advocates for mass transit and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure say the safety and environmental impact of traffic is a crisis. New York was the most congested city in the world for the second year in a row, according to one major study . Congestion and crowding in the city "is very much at a breaking point," said Adams, of Transportation Alternatives.

"We should be doing everything we can to make it easier to get around outside of a car," she added.

Traffic deaths overtake gun deaths in NYC

These days, biking doesn't feel like a viable option for many New Yorkers worried about safety. The city streets were designed to maximize vehicle speed rather than to get as many New Yorkers around as efficiently and safely as possible. Bikers have to contend with larger cars , more speeding , a surge in delivery trucks , and a rash of speeding mopeds and e-bikes .

While New York City streets have generally gotten safer since the city adopted its 'Vision Zero' plan in 2014 to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries in 2014, progress hasn't been consistent. Pedestrian deaths are way up so far in 2024 . This year, New Yorkers were more likely to be killed in a traffic crash than by gun violence. While pedestrian deaths fell last year , more bicyclists died on New York City's streets in 2023 than in any year since 1999, although a DOT spokesperson noted that cyclist deaths are "down nearly 37% so far this year."

Cities like Paris, London, Tokyo, and Bogotá have proven how essential — and beneficial — pedestrian and multi-modal infrastructure is to a healthy city. Better bike and pedestrian infrastructure doesn't just mean safer streets and cleaner air — they're also good for business . Advocates say New Yorkers should follow their lead.

"What New York City can learn is that when you commit to comprehensive bike infrastructure, it works," Elizabeth Adams said. "People are happier and it boosts the economy, and the streets are safer, and the air is cleaner, and people shift modes very quickly."

Correction: August 14, 2024 — This article has been updated to clarify that pedestrian deaths are higher this year, rather than traffic deaths, and added additional context around the city's goals for building pedestrian and bike infrastructure and recent cyclist death counts.

Watch: New York City resident reacts to 4.8 magnitude earthquake

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