How to Be Safe When Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to Be Safe When Traveling During the Corona Virus
Many of the states are lifting restrictions on traveling from state to state during the COVID-19 outbreak. Some people even have an international trip planned that was booked months before the virus. Or some people are taking advantage of the low prices of airfare. But can you be safe while traveling?
Is It Safe to Travel?
There isn't a guarantee that traveling during the COVID-19 is going to not make you sick. You can be at risk regardless of how old you are, your health, or where to where you're traveling. At this point, the fatality rate is relatively low, and you could come home virus free. But there are some considerations you might want to consider before packing your suitcase:
- How old you are: If you are elderly, especially over the age of 80, you are the most endangered for complications if you contract the virus. Being younger doesn't mean you have a less chance of contracting the virus, you just have a higher chance of surviving. You could still bring the disease home with you and infect people around you.
- Your medical history: If you have a pre-existing condition, you are more susceptible to getting seriously ill. You should give a second thought to traveling anywhere if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, hypertension, cancer, etc.
- Where you’re going: If you're going out of the country, especially those with a high rate of infection, you have a greater chance of contracting the virus. Even if the country doesn’t have a high rate, you still may not be safe. Plus, you’ll need to go into self-quarantine for two weeks upon returning from your trip. This is even if you don’t show any signs you’re infected.
How to Keep Safe During Travel
Some suggestions to try to keep yourself safe during travel, you need to:
- Wash your hands often: This is one of the most important things you need to do to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. Wash your hands for at least 20-30 seconds anytime you get the chance. You can use hand sanitizer if you can’t get to soap and water, but it isn't as effective as soap and water. Don't touch your face if your hands aren't clean.
- Keep your distance from people: If someone near you is coughing, sneezing, or showing flu or cold symptoms, stay at least 3 feet away from them. Cough or sneeze droplets can cause you to become infected.
- Where you stay: Be sure to stay somewhere clean. Bring disinfectant spray or wipes and clean anything that you think was touched frequently. Check with the staff at check-in to make sure your room was cleaned thoroughly.
- Avoid crowded areas: Stay away from crowds, especially in tight areas. If you're traveling in an area where the coronavirus cases are high, stay away from places where large groups of people are.
- Wear a mask: When out in public, wear a mask, and if you develop symptoms, seek medical help. By wearing a mask, if you develop symptoms of coughing, fever, or difficulty breathing, you won't infect other people.
Many people who contract COVID-19 will recover without any serious complications. A lot of people won’t even have to be hospitalized but will recover at home. But, if you’re a senior with an underlying health condition, you are more vulnerable to the virus.
Traveling or not traveling is a decision that you will make. Just keep in mind to use precautions, a mask, and wash your hands thoroughly. If you travel out of the country or in a state of high virus count, self-isolation for two weeks when you return is essential.
If you need in-home healthcare upon your return, we here at Right at Home are only a phone call away.
