This is probably old news, but if nothing else take it as a reminder for the next time you travel to your race. Putting all that time in for Ironman race day only to catch a silly bug druing race week happens all the time. Hard training suppresses your immune system so you need to be extra diligent about doing all you can to avoid germs.
Hand washing is the number one way to prevent catching and spreading bugs. Keep a litte container of gel hand sanitizer on your person at all times and use liberally after touching surfaces. Try to avoind touching your face. If you have to travel by plane to your race, the re-circulated air of a plane is the perfect breding ground for nasties. Also the dry air can decrease the effectiveness of your natural defense mechanisms by drying out your mucus membranes. It is unfortunate that North Americans tend to get freaked out when people choose to wear face masks on planes. I think that it is great and more people should do it. Protect yourself from germs and don’t give your cold to anyone else.
I’m a germaphobe