The U.S. government recently announced that Americans can now order free Covid tests again. And as we enter the fall and winter travel season, many people are gearing up for holiday trips, whether it’s visiting family or planning long-awaited vacations. But with Covid-19 still circulating, the question has resurfaced: Do travelers need to take precautions, such as wearing face masks, when they fly?
With the pandemic’s initial peak well behind us and vaccines widely available, many are wondering if Covid is now just another virus like the flu or a cold. Dr. Nina Shapiro, a Pediatric ENT at Westside Head and Neck in Los Angeles and the author of The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Being Super Healthy, shares her expert insights on what travelers should know.
Is Covid still a serious concern?
Covid is no longer the global crisis it once was, but Dr. Shapiro points out that the virus hasn’t entirely morphed into a simple cold. “While most people who contract Covid experience mild symptoms, such as a few days of fever, cough, and runny nose, there are still many individuals who can become seriously ill or even die from a Covid infection,” she explains.
Travelers need to think about both their personal risk and the risk to those around them. “It’s not just about how sick you might get, but whether you could expose a vulnerable person, like a family member or colleague, who could become critically ill,” says Dr. Shapiro.
Precautions for immunocompromised travelers
Immunocompromised individuals remain at heightened risk for severe illness from Covid. While many have been able to receive the vaccine, not all of them gain full protection. Dr. Shapiro emphasizes the importance of continuing to practice caution around immunocompromised people, saying, “Providing an extra layer of distance, through masking or physical separation, is still crucial for their safety.”
What if you test positive before traveling?
Testing positive for Covid right before a trip can be stressful. While there are no longer strict bans preventing Covid-positive people from traveling, Dr. Shapiro says it’s best to use common sense. “If you have an active infection, wearing a high-quality mask, such as an N95 or KF94, will help reduce the risk of spreading it to others,” she notes. But if you feel truly ill, Dr. Shapiro recommends postponing travel. Not only will the journey be uncomfortable, but you’ll also be exposing more people during your trip to the virus, especially in shared spaces like airplanes, hotels and restaurants.
Should you wear a mask when flying this season?
Whether or not to wear a mask in public spaces has become a personal choice. However, Dr. Shapiro advises considering the environment. “Indoor, crowded settings, such as airplanes, airports, and trains, are where you’re most likely to contract Covid,” she explains. Masks can still offer protection in these settings, especially for people at higher risk.
Looking ahead to winter travel
Looking forward, there are new Covid variants, such as XEC, emerging across Europe, which may result in a winter surge in the US. Dr. Shapiro recommends staying up-to-date with the latest booster shots, which, while not perfect, provide some level of protection against multiple variants. She also stresses the importance of the flu vaccine, reminding travelers that influenza can be a miserable illness, especially during busy travel seasons.
Ultimately, traveling during the colder months doesn’t have to be fraught with anxiety over Covid, but it does require awareness. From wearing masks in high-risk areas to staying mindful of symptoms, taking small steps can make a big difference in protecting yourself and those around you.
KEEP READING
–How to make sure the TSA Precheck checkmark is on your boarding pass
–Did you know your electronic devices should always be charged when going through security?
–10 airport security hacks every traveler needs to know
–Mom shares hilarious reason she’s not getting TSA Precheck anytime soon
–How to get a full bottle of water through airport security
Want more travel news, tips and deals? Sign up to Johnny Jet’s free newsletter and check out these popular posts: The Travel Gadget Flight Attendants Never Leave Home Without and 12 Ways to Save Money on Baggage Fees. Follow Johnny Jet on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for all of my travel posts.
Masks help us normies identify mental illness from a distance, thank you.
Oh, masks again. So tired of “be scared” about everything. Do whatever you feel will calm your fears, but what’s even better is to conquer fear. Much better for your mental health which is just as important.
😁😁
I began to get really sick w/bronchitis after flying each winter. I would see other people sick on the plane & realized a year before covid to be preventive. I started masking up just while on the plane & wiped down my seat area. I never got sick again. I get bronchitis twice a year here at home: once cold weather settles in, I wear a mask just while in the stores. I feel liberated since I have not gotten sick for 2 years now.