Ideally, people should not travel this holiday season. In fact, the CDC has officially asked the American public to stay home and celebrate exclusively within their own households. Why?
Recent data suggests that 24% of infections are transmitted by asymptomatic people, 35% by people who are pre-symptomatic and only 41% by people who are showing symptoms. One infected person may infect several people on a plane, train or terminal.
However, after months of isolation or near-isolation, a person may feel a need to travel to engage in familiar holiday traditions. Additionally, many colleges will not have students return to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday and the returning students may bring COVID-19 to the family home. Military personnel may be navigating holiday leave decisions.
The decision to travel must consider those with whom the traveler will come in contact before, during and after travel. In-person gatherings of those from different living situations – including homebound college students – pose various risk levels. Symptoms should be monitored before and after travel. All travelers are urged to take the seasonal influenza vaccine.
While driving by car may be safer than other transportation modes, travelers need to consider the length of a trip. Overnight hotel stays and stops at bathrooms, gas stations, and restaurants increase potential exposure. Fatigue on the roadways can lead to negative outcomes. Kidz Medical Services Inc. and The International Travel Clinic with which I am associated have issued tips on holiday travel during the pandemic.
Monitoring symptoms and choosing an airline that is strict about requiring masks, keeping people with fever, cough, congestion, or known COVID exposure off planes is safer. Some international airlines offer testing, but testing can be unreliable. False negative results can give a false sense of security.
Minimize risks by skipping ride-sharing and asking a friend or family member to provide airport transportation. Choose the first flight of the morning. Choose an airline that doesn’t overbook, keeps the middle seat empty and mandates in-flight mask use. The safest seat is at the front of the plane as it presents decreased exposure to others by boarding last and exiting first. Seats in the back also have less traffic as long as they are not too close to the bathrooms.
Bring hand sanitizer wipes, surgical masks, and bleach wipes for surfaces. The TSA currently allows one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags. Bring your own drinks and snacks for the flight.
Wear the surgical mask upon entrance to the airport, on the flight and when exiting the airport. Avoid using public bathrooms and touching airport surfaces. Wearing gloves offers false security. Use hand sanitizer wipes instead – rather than gel – frequently. Remember that hand sanitizing gel can be flammable.
Staying with family may be safe during long visits and if family members are healthy and have followed isolation guidelines. Hotels that practice caution in their cleaning practices, require guests to wear masks in public spaces, and allow enough social distancing space are safe alternatives. When you arrive at your room, wipe down all surfaces, door handles, remotes and thermostats with bleach wipes. Also, avoid exposure to housekeeping staff.
We are still learning to live with COVID-19, which will be a chronic problem for several more months. However, our epidemiologists, scientists and pharmaceutical companies have made several advances that help with the treatment and prevention.
There are people who still do not believe that COVID-19 can lead to death and chronic, long-term, life-altering complications and they do not follow recommended guidelines. Projections show that a steady upward climb of COVID-19 cases is expected through January. The traveler must seriously weigh pros and cons of traveling.
Will it not be safer to stay at home this year? Next year, we will be better equipped to enjoy our customary holiday gatherings.
