Trade shows and conferences are great for meeting potential customers and in a setting like this you shake lots of hands. So what do you do if you happen to be exhibiting at or attending a trade show this season and you have the fear of sickness looming over you?

#1

Wash your hands thoroughly, and as much as possible. If you are unable to get to a sink, keep some hand sanitizer handy especially when you’re on the showroom floor. You never know when you may have to shake someone’s hand.

#2

Stock up on immune boosters. Vitamin C and Zinc are oldies but goodies. Take it before you head out for the initial immune boost and then throughout the duration of your trip. Adding elderberry to the mix is also a good option. It has been used for centuries and in more recent times has gained a lot of popularity and for good reason. Elderberry is believed to reduce the severity and duration of the cold and flu virus.

#3

Sleep. Between setup, clean-up schmoozing and post event parties, it might be hard to catch an adequate amount of zzz’s when you’re at an event, especially if the show lasts a few days. However, getting enough rest is crucial to keeping a strong immune system. A new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, shows that people who sleep less than seven hours per night are three times more likely than those who sleep at least eight hours to catch a common cold after being exposed to a cold-causing virus.

#4

Stay hydrated. General good health practice includes drinking plenty of fluids. It helps you fend off germs and if you happen to already be sick, it helps loosen the mucous.

#5

Limit alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol inhibits your sleep and dehydrates you, which goes against recommendations #3 and #4.

#6

Get moving. Time can be limited when you’re traveling for trade shows, but squeezing in the time for a quick workout at your hotel gym can be well worth it. Exercise makes you feel good and gives your immune system a boost. If you’re already feeling a little under the weather, Lewis G. Maharam, MD, a New York City-based sports medicine expert suggests you “do what you can do, and if you can’t do it, then don’t.”

#7

Eat healthy. Everyone seems to know this one, but not everyone follows it. Eating healthy foods helps fight sickness. Sometimes traveling for business has us not making the best decisions when it comes to eating. We tend to eat what is convenient because of a lack of time and options. Plan ahead for your next trade show. Look up healthier restaurants beforehand and pack healthy snacks such as fruits and nuts so when the time comes to go out to dinner you’re able to make better food decisions because you’re not ravenous.

#8

Sanitize common areas. If you’re an exhibitor, make sure to have sanitizing wipes handy. Wipe down surfaces regularly. This not only keeps germs from spreading, it will help keep your booth workers and visitors at ease.

Yes, the cold & flu season might be going strong, but don’t let that keep you from having a good trade show experience. Follow these precautions to help prevent the cold & flu from taking you down because the trade show must go on!

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