It’s hard to believe that four years ago, summer travel stopped. But since the COVID-19 vaccine became widely available and the world opened up again, demand for travel has increased; in fact, according to the World Economic ForumInternational tourist arrivals are expected to reach pre-pandemic levels this year. Air travel is getting closer where it was before the pandemic, according to IATA (International Air Transport Association).
Although travel has resumed, the COVID-19 virus has unfortunately not disappeared. The CDC estimates that more than 95 percent of the population The United States has had some experience with the virus since the start of the pandemic, whether through COVID-19 infection or the vaccine, or both. This means that population immunity is built up, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe or wise to travel if you've tested positive for COVID-19.
Afar spoke with an infectious disease specialist William Schaffner from Vanderbilt University and the University at Buffalo Thomas RussoProfessor and Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine, on the dos and don’ts of traveling if you have COVID-19. Dr. Russo attributes the surge in cases this summer to an increase in social gatherings and travel combined with waning immunity (whether from prior infection or vaccination). The immune evasion ability of FLiRT variants is also a factor.
Should I get another COVID-19 booster dose?
Everyone should be up to date on the latest COVID-19 vaccine to avoid hospitalization and serious illness; additionally, The CDC saysGetting vaccinated as soon as possible can increase your protection against the virus. This is true for high-risk groups as well as for healthy young people. Dr. Schaffner emphasizes that the CDC’s recommendation to get an up-to-date vaccine (the proper term for the vaccine) applies to everyone, regardless of travel plans. An updated vaccine will also be available in the fall, and even if you were vaccinated in early summer, you’ll need to visit your local pharmacy or make an appointment with your doctor when it becomes available. Dr. Russo says the updated vaccine will provide better protection against the variants currently circulating.
When should I get tested for COVID-19 and what is the best way to do it?
COVID-19 antigen tests, widely available at pharmacies and drugstores, remain an effective way to find out if you’ve been infected with the virus. Some people with mild symptoms (like mild muscle aches, cough or fatigue) may be put off by the cost of the test (about $9.99 on average) and decide to let the virus run its course, but Dr. Schaffner says high-risk groups in particular should get tested. And while travelers no longer need to present a negative test When returning to the United States from abroad (or entering Hawaii or elsewhere where travel was previously restricted due to COVID-19), people should not ignore their symptoms.
“The tests are available. They work,” says Dr. Schaffner, adding that judicious use—testing about four days after potential exposure or symptoms—is key to a successful test. Keep in mind that if you have symptoms but test negative, it’s a good idea to retest the next day to make sure the result is still negative. “A single negative test does not rule out the possibility that you have COVID,” says Dr. Russo, who advises doing at least two or three at-home tests over a period of a few days. And double-check that those tests haven’t expired.
If I test positive and have a trip planned, should I still fly?
If you've tested positive for COVID-19, Dr. Russo points to the latest CDC Guidelines on Isolation:”If you have a fever without medication for a day and feel better, you can stop isolating as long as you wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when interacting with others.” Dr. Russo says wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth will minimize the risk of infecting others, but it's not foolproof.
If you fly while you have COVID-19, you are “likely to infect people sitting in the same row as you on the plane and maybe two rows in front and two rows behind,” says Dr. Schaffner, who emphasizes that the public health position is not to get on a plane if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
“You have to use common sense to make sure you’re not putting yourself and others at risk,” Russo advises. He says taking Paxlovid, an oral antiviral designed to stop the virus from multiplying, is a good idea if you’ve tested positive because it “will decrease both how infectious you are and how long you’re infectious.” That said, “it’s not going to be a cure-all,” he adds.
Should I tell other people I'm traveling with that I have COVID-19?
Dr. Schaffner puts it very simply: “If you test positive for COVID, no matter how severe your symptoms are, you are putting other people on that plane or train at risk, even if you are wearing a mask.”
“You’re at risk of becoming a dreaded contagion,” he adds. So if you’re traveling with friends or family when you’re infected with COVID-19, you should notify them immediately and change your travel plans if necessary. If you’re in the middle of your trip, that could mean changing your return flight until you test negative and isolate, according to the CDC’s latest guidelines. “You could go to a park in Rome and enjoy the outdoors,” but you’ll want to avoid restaurants and eat in your hotel room instead, Dr. Schaffner says.
If your travel plans include group meals or other events where you can't wear a mask, “that could be problematic,” says Dr. Russo, noting that weddings and cruise ships can be places where the COVID-19 virus spreads quickly.
If you can, get a prescription for Paxlovid before a long trip so you have it on hand in case you develop COVID-19 symptoms (this is especially helpful for international travel, Dr. Russo says). Travel insurance This is also a good idea, in case you need to delay or extend your trip.
Are there still any countries with COVID-19 restrictions?
For now, COVID-19 travel restrictions are a thing of the past. But it's always a good idea to check the US Department of State list of countries and associated travel advisories, which includes each country's visa and health entry rules for Americans.
