The "sneezin' season" is fast approaching, making winter travel - particularly at peak holiday time - a key contributor to contagions from colds and coughs to this year's flu.

Dr. Walter B. Koppel, medical director of the Baltimore-based MEDEX Assistance Corporation, one of the world's leading providers of emergency medical and security assistance for travelers, actually codifies the time- honored cliche about an ounce of prevention provided it is not taken to extremes (such as mega-dosing Vitamin C, which can lead to complications such as kidney stones).

Still, not all popular wisdom (however venerated), is actually accurate.

Dr. Koppel points out that it is not cold weather that causes colds and flu.

"Popular winter travel venues - whether in colder or warmer climates - can increase the risk of colds and flu. The change in the temperature of the air coming into your lungs is enough to trigger viral growth in lungs and sinuses. Primarily, it is not weather but people that contribute the most to the passing of colds and flu."

Dr. K's Top Five

1- Most germs spread by contact. Wherever you go, wash your hands frequently and carry moist towellettes - even baby wipes - for times when soap and water are not available.

2- Reduce holiday stress. Stress actually decreases immunity and increases susceptibility to disease. At minimum, avoid caffeine and other stimulants that increase heart rate and can heighten stressful feelings.

3- When traveling in cramped quarters or on long flights, avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which can cause blood clots in the legs, by walking around, stretching your legs and flexing your ankles in an up and down motion about once every hour and a half.

4- Keep prescription medications in their original, pharmacy-labeled containers to avoid security questions and pack them in your carry- on for easy access.

5- Equalize babies' ear pressure during take-offs and landings by giving them a pacifier or baby bottle to suck on. Older children and adults can alleviate ear pressure by chewing gum.

MEDEX Assistance Corporation
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