Can Air Conditioning Make You Sick? What Every Traveller Should Know
For many travellers, stepping into an air-conditioned airport, hotel room, or restaurant feels like pure relief after a sweltering day outside. But can that cool air actually make you sick?
While air conditioning (AC) keeps temperatures comfortable and controls humidity, research shows that poorly maintained systems can sometimes contribute to illness—especially when travelling.
The “Sick Building” Effect
Spending long hours in an air-conditioned environment, particularly if the system is not working properly, can lead to a set of symptoms called sick building syndrome. This may include:
- Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Persistent cough or wheezing
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Trouble concentrating
A 2023 study found that people who worked in AC-cooled offices had more allergies, poorer lung function, and more sick days than those who worked without AC—especially when the AC wasn’t well maintained.
When AC Becomes a Health Hazard
Poorly maintained AC units can release allergens, chemicals, and even harmful microbes into the air.
- Bacterial risks: Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, can grow in water systems like those in hotels and hospitals. This severe lung infection can be life-threatening and often requires hospitalization.
- Fungal risks: Fungi like Aspergillus and Cladosporium can grow inside damp AC systems, particularly in hospitals. These infections can be dangerous for immunocompromised travellers or those with chronic illnesses.
- Viral risks: In rare cases, viruses such as norovirus have been spread via contaminated AC systems in schools and public spaces.
Humidity and Your Airways
Even a clean, well-functioning AC system can dry out the air. Low humidity can weaken your nasal and throat defenses, making it easier for germs to enter your body—especially during long flights or hotel stays.
Travellers’ AC Safety Checklist
When travelling, especially abroad, you can reduce your risk of AC-related illness by:
- Choosing accommodations with a reputation for cleanliness and good maintenance.
- Asking about AC maintenance schedules—especially in hotels, cruise ships, and hospitals.
- Bringing a personal travel humidifier to use in your room.
- Avoiding direct airflow from AC vents toward your face while sleeping.
- Carrying a travel health kit including hydration solutions, nasal saline spray, and any prescribed medications.
How DTC Can Help
At Destinations Travel Clinic, we not only prepare you with the right travel vaccines and medications but also provide expert advice on environmental health risks you might encounter—whether it’s tropical heat, local water safety, or the hidden hazards of air conditioning systems.
Before your next trip, visit us to ensure you’re protected from more than just the obvious travel risks. Sometimes, it’s the cool, comfortable air you least suspect that needs the most caution.
