As Munich is in the heart of Western Europe, you don’t have to fear diseases like if you’re going to Africa or the Amazonas. You don’t need specific vaccinations or such things (common vaccines can be a good idea though). But of course also in Munich you can catch a cold, get a headache or may encounter insect bites which may give you a hard time when you have an allergy against it. So here I want to explain what you can encounter as traveller in Munich.
Common Cold
Usually a cold begins with fatigue, a sore throat, sometimes headache, followed by a couple of days with a runny nose, cough and a feeling of being chilled or even fever.
Duration
Usually a common cold lasts up to ten days with a peak on day two and three after the first symptoms. Unfortunately, a cold can last up to three weeks. So when you’re planning a trip to Munich, and only have one or two weeks you shuld try to avoid a cold at all costs to enjoy your trip.
Risk of catching a cold in Munich during the Year
Especially during Oktoberfest and other festivals like carnival or where many people meet during cold weather (Christmas Markets) the chance of catching a cold rises significantly.
How to Avoid
As it is quite easy to catch a cold especially during the winter season, as a traveller you should avoid large crowds like festivals (Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets, packed public transport) or flights. Where lot’s of people come toghether, you are usually exposed to viruses and bacteria.
But as a tourist, you somehow come for such events and you often also can’t just avoid your flight to Munich.
To be honest you can’t really avoid catching a common cold. But you can try to boost your immune system. Additionally you can take some precautions to minimize the chance of getting a cold.
Here are my five tips for avoiding a cold when on route to Munich:
- Two weeks before your flight or departure to Munich, eat healthy. Lots of vegetables, less fast food and less sweets.
- Additionally get some vitamins from your local pharmacy. Also supermarkets sell immune booster products.
- Fly long-haul like a pro: Have a scarf, thick socks, an additional jacket, and long trousers with you or in your hand luggage. Trust me, no matter how hot it is in Munich or at your home destination. After four hours at 18 C /64 F you will feel chilled and at least another 4 hours are still to come. The chance to catch a cold is now very high.
- Avoid ice cold beverages three days before and three days after your journey to Munich. This one is more a legend , because cold beverages do not cause a cold. But it keeps you alerted to avoid cooling down your body more than you should.
- Wash your hands regularly. Also have hand sanitizer with you and use it regularly.
What to do against a cold?
It is best to avoid activities that are strenuous for the body. In any case, sports, strenuous walks and unfavourable weather conditions (rain, snowfall) should be avoided.
Also use the following tips to get well soon:
- Drink many warm drinks (especially teas).
- Get additional vitamin boosts. Vitamin C is very important for colds.
- Pack a travel-first-aid kit with cold medications.
- Take cold medication. If you don’t know what to take, contact a pharmacy.
- If you encounter strong symptoms like high fever, dizzyness, diarrhea or extreme cough, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or in case of an emergency go to a hospital.
Where to find more information?
For travelers from the USA, the CDC has specific sites where you can check the newest information for traveling, what to watch out for, how to avoid getting ill and where to get help. See CDC – Traveler Advice.
Also the World Health Organization – WHO has many tips for travelers on their website.