Yeah, as I said, I just have no need for having to fly.
But when I have, the thing that got we was the stopped-up ears. Had people give me their hints to try to make them pop, but nuthin worked, takes about a week to go away on it’s own.
Forget viruses - I hated the plugged up ears. (Also, I’m not in love with heights, but that’s a different issue, heh)
I chew gum as soon as we take off, chew until we reach our trip elevation, and then chew again when we start down. Works every time, but some of it depends on your ear canals and you may have narrow ones.