As the festive holiday season unfolds, many individuals are bound to journey to various destinations to reconnect with family and friends and revel in the festivities. However, while this holiday period sparks joy and relaxation, it also signals a peak season for winter illnesses. According to a MarketWatch survey, approximately 61% of Americans are expected to travel at least once during this holiday season, with 36% opting to fly. Communal spaces such as airports and family gatherings becomes potential hotspots for the spread of diseases.
Dr. Larissa Pisney, an associate professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado Department of Medicine and medical director of infection prevention and control at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, provides her expert insight into how individuals can protect themselves from common winter ailments. Key diseases to be wary of include COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) forecast a similar prognosis as last year, with increased hospital admissions due to respiratory viruses.
In addition to viruses, there’s also a resurgence in bacterial diseases such as Pertussis (whooping cough). Pertussis is traced back to the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is particularly harmful to small children. Factors such as changes in pandemic-era behavior and declining vaccination rates, largely due to vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, have contributed to the surge in Pertussis. The ‘walking pneumonia,’ an ailment caused by mycoplasma pneumonia, has also been recently featured in news headlines. These pathogens, be it bacterial or viral, mainly spread through infectious droplets or through contact with contaminated surfaces.
In navigating the holiday travel season, it’s essential to keep vaccinations up to date. Administering the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to individuals older than 6 months can reduce the risk of severe health outcomes. Moreover, a travel health kit comprising prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and a face mask, should be packed in your carry-on. Travelers with complex medical histories should also consider carrying a medical alert bracelet or a document listing their medical issues, medications, and blood type.
The CDC generally advises against traveling if you’re experiencing unexplained respiratory symptoms. However, for minor ailments like a cold, the decision to travel should be balanced against who you will be visiting and the necessity of the journey. In such cases, maintaining distance from others, wearing a face mask, practicing good hand hygiene, and cleaning surfaces after use can minimize infection risks.
As holiday travelers may often find themselves in crowded spaces, it’s recommended to practice ‘respiratory etiquette,’ which involves covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and regularly sanitizing touched surfaces. Although airlines use hospital-grade HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters that efficiently remove airborne pathogens, wearing a face mask is a wise precaution when near an individual manifesting significant respiratory symptoms during the flight.
While celebrating the holidays with diverse groups of people, it’s crucial to remember that the heightened social interaction could increase the risk of infection spread. Especially in the winter season, the dry air allows respiratory droplets to stay suspended for longer, enhancing their transmission risk. When visiting individuals with potential health vulnerabilities, a prior discussion about the risks and safety measures is always beneficial.
When considering international trips, travelers are encouraged to check their health insurance coverage, be informed about the specific health risks in their destination country, and visit a travel clinic before departure to ensure they have all necessary vaccinations and medications.
Ultimately, the best defense against the spread of these diseases remains good personal hygiene practices, social distancing, and maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, ensuring a safer and healthier holiday season.
Source: https://news.cuanschutz.edu/department-of-medicine/pisney-holiday-travel-infectious-diseases