FAQs • Sugar Land, TX • CivicEngage

Are there any special vaccinations or travel medications I should take?: Dr. Anzaldua: Although there are no current vaccinations or recommended outpatient treatments for COVID–19, if traveling abroad please check to see if any other vaccinations are recommended or even required prior to travel.

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Emergency Management | Coronavirus (COVID-19) | Holiday Travel

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1. Is it safe to travel during the pandemic?: Dr. Anzaldua: While there is no “zero risk” for either spreading or contracting SARS–COV–2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 illness), traveling during the pandemic is still possible but you must take safety precautions to reduce the risk of viral transmission. If you have symptoms, please avoid traveling at all costs. If you recently tested positive for the virus or have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, travel should be avoided or delayed.

2. Is it possible to find out if COVID-19 is spreading at my final destination?: Dr. Anzaldua: This information is easily found on the CDC.gov website. You should also check to see if your final destination, domestic or a broad, has any travel advisory restrictions with respect to testing or self-quarantine requirements. This generally applies to all forms of travel including train, bus, ship, etc. Self-quarantine (usually a 14-day period) may be voluntary or mandatory.

3. What precautions should I take when traveling?: Dr. Anzaldua: Please follow the current public health measures currently recommended by the CDC, such as wearing a mask properly fitted, covering both mouth and nose when in public settings such as airports, train or bus stations, etc. Practice recommended hand sanitation using soap and water or hand sanitizers that contain least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching frequently touched services.

4. Is the air inside airplanes safe?: Dr. Anzaldua: Currently studies indicate that viral infections do not spread easily during air travel due to current technology used for air circulation and filtration. If at all possible, however, social distancing with physical separation of 6 feet or greater is still recommended.

5. Other than the usual traveling articles and medications, is there anything else I should pack to prepare for traveling?: Dr. Anzaldua: Bring a mask to wear in public settings, especially in large crowds. In fact, I would recommend packing extra masks just in case. I would also pack travel size hand sanitizer bottles. Make sure both are close at hand.

6. Are there any special vaccinations or travel medications I should take?: Dr. Anzaldua: Although there are no current vaccinations or recommended outpatient treatments for COVID–19, if traveling abroad please check to see if any other vaccinations are recommended or even required prior to travel.

7. Is there a problem if I made airline reservations way in advance and prior to the pandemic?: Dr. Anzaldua: If you made airline reservations a while ago, you may want to check with your airline carrier to make sure that your flight reservations are still confirmed as some airlines may have changed or even canceled some previously scheduled flights.

8. I will be traveling to an area where the altitude is much higher than what I am used to. Should I be concerned or take any precautions?: Dr. Anzaldua: If you are prone to or at risk for high altitude illness, try taking a day or two of rest prior to climbing to a higher altitude. Avoid strenuous physical activity, coffee and alcohol. Drink plenty of water any chance you get. If you have had high altitude illness in the past, consider taking prescription medication for prevention or treatment, such as Diamox. Consult with your healthcare provider.

9. Can long distance air travel effect my health?

Dr. Anzaldua:

The most significant negative effect is on our circulatory system, where the cabin pressure can put undue strain on blood flow. The length of flying time and limited movement are important factors. One of the biggest health concerns is DVT (deep vein thrombosis) where blood clots can form in your legs. If you are at risk for DVT or have a history of it, consult with your health care provider to make sure you are fit for travel. If you can fly, consider walking around the cabin every one to two hours. Also, ask your doctor if wearing compression stocking during the flight would be appropriate for you. These stockings are available at most medical supply stores and even pharmacies.
Also, keep in mind that cabin air tends to be relatively less humid, predisposing travellers to dehydration. Again, drink plenty of water.
In general, air pressure drops as a jet gains altitude. Conversely, as a jet descends, air pressure rises. Changes in air pressure can affect oxygen levels, which can have a negative impact on people with lung disorders and serious heart conditions. Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you are fit for travel if you suffer from such conditions.

10. If you’re losing sleep due to traveling (red eye or unusual-hour flights), what negative health effects can this have on my health?: Dr. Anzaldua: There are some studies that suggest that a disruption in our circadian rhythm (such as sleep deprivation and jet lag) can have a negative impact on our immune system. Such negative influence on our immunity system can make us vulnerable to certain illnesses, especially infections.

11. Can the stress of travel (packing, planning, getting to the airport on time, passing through security etc) have negative health effects on your body or immunity system?: Dr. Anzaldua: Yes. Physical and emotional stress can have a negative impact on our immune system, the system in charge of fighting off certain illnesses and infections.

12. Can changing temperatures or weather climates from destination to destination effect the immune system or body?: Dr. Anzaldua: While it is believed that temperature changes can impact our immune system and metabolic processes in our bodies, the mechanisms of how this happens is not well understood.

13. Are there any other factors involved with travel that you can think of that can weaken the immune system?: Dr. Anzaldua: Other than sleep deprivation and jet lag, a person’s general health is also a factor, especially those medical conditions that are associated with weakened immune systems. In addition, individuals not properly hydrated while flying are at risk of weakening the immune system. It is best to always stay well hydrated (even prior to air travel) and avoid caffeine and alcohol while flying. Remember that these beverages tend to dehydrate, not hydrate!

14. What are your thoughts on how easy it is to get sick when traveling and what are some ways to avoid catching something?: Dr. Anzaldua: Commercial jets are not always properly sanitized in between flights. Some of the areas at high risk for harboring infections include toilet areas, tray tables, armrests, and seat pockets. Believe it or not, tray tables (that may “look” clean) may actually harbor more germs than the restroom area! The best way to avoid contamination is to minimize hand contact with these areas just mentioned and to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer or a package of baby wipes to keep hands as germ-free as possible.

15. What other recommendations do you have to help prepare and make situations like this easier in the future.

Dr. Anzaldua:

Best thing to do is to be prepared, especially if you have serious medical conditions. Research the area that you will be traveling to. A good idea is to check the CDC website, especially if you are planning to visit areas with current high rate coronavirus transmision, and underdeveloped or impoverished countries where healthcare facilities may not be readily accessible. There are many travellers with significant medical conditions, especially those with cardiac, respiratory, cancer and immunity problems. Check with your doctor to make sure that you are fit for travel and to see if you will need to take any extra precautions, including vaccinations.
Next thing is to check on your healthcare insurance to see if you are covered abroad. If not, you may need to purchase separate medical insurance that covers you for foreign travel. Investigate the healthcare system of the places you will be traveling to. Take note of local hospitals, emergency rooms, and clinics.
A very common mistake is forgetting to pack your prescription medications! Make sure that you have packed all your prescriptions to ensure that you will have enough medications available while away, as these medications may not be available overseas. All prescription bottles should be properly labelled. It’s also a good idea to write down a list of all your medical conditions, all your medications and any allergies that you have, and the names and telephone numbers of all your healthcare providers. Along with your medications, it’s a good idea to pack over-the-counter medications (as long as they are not contraindicated for you) for motion sickness, cough, allergies, diarrhea, and analgesics such as ibuprofen (Motrin®) and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol®).

16. List a few points on what to do if you do get sick.: Dr. Anzaldua: Many hotels abroad realize that their traveling guests may get sick. For this reason, check with your hotel front desk to see if they can arrange for a physician to attend to you. In addition, you may wish to contact your own personal physician, but keep in mind that their assistance may be somewhat limited, but still may provide good medical advice such as recommending certain medications that may be available at a local pharmacy.

17. Some common travel illnesses are motion sickness, food poisoning, cough/cold and sunburn. Could you briefly describe some of these symptoms and how it can be treated?

Dr. Anzaldua:

Motion sickness is a common ailment that may present during actual travel and before you arrive at your destination. Nausea (and sometimes vomiting) are the most troublesome manifestations. There are over-the-counter preparations that may help with these symptoms. Avoid overeating, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Ask your physician for advice.
Food poisoning is another common problem encountered when traveling. Be careful and choose eating locations wisely. Dining at your hotel is always a wise proposition. If at all possible, drink bottled beverages. Diarrhea is a common manifestation of food poisoning. Consult your physician before travel to see if taking a prescription of an antibiotic would be advisable. In many cases, antibiotics are not necessary and may actually make matters worse. In certain situations, Bismuth salicylates (Pepto Bismol®) may help, but always consult your physician to make sure you can take this. If you should develop fever, abdominal pain, bloody stools, dizziness, you should seek medical attention.
Cough, colds and allergies are also common ailments while traveling. There are many medications available that do not require a prescription. Your health care provider should be able to offer suggestions specifically for you.
Over-exposure to the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays (sunburn) can be a problem. Consider wearing sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when travelling to places where the sun may be intense. Remember to reapply every two hours. Again, please check with your physician prior to travel to see what would be recommended for you.

18. Any additional suggestions?