Spring break is traditionally filled with trips to beaches and theme parks. We’re all ready to pack up and head to someplace warm and tropical. After all, spring break travel is about escaping the rain and the cold to enjoy the new spring sunshine. Unfortunately, spring break 2020 collides with a coronavirus outbreak and the end of flu season. Here are a few tips to help you manage through spring break travel and stay healthy!
Preventing Illness
If you’re able, get a flu shot at least two weeks prior to traveling. While we’re nearing the end of flu season, the flu is still circulating. It will take two weeks for the vaccine to begin providing your body protection. You can also help keep your immune system strong by getting a good night’s sleep. Healthy eating leading up to your flight can also be very helpful in keeping you well. While there is no vaccine yet for the coronavirus, we’ve outlined some other things that can help keep you healthy while you travel.
Know When to Stay Home
Currently, it is recommended that everyone stays home. If you’re under the weather or have a slight cold, your immune system could be further compromised. If you travel while you’re sick, you could make yourself sicker. One thing we know about coronavirus is that people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are the most susceptible.
There’s also an element of common courtesy here. Even if you think you’re relatively healthy, you don’t want to show up on vacation with friends and family, only to spread your illness to others. If you’re not sure what you should do, ask your provider.
Wipe it All Down
A virus can live on surfaces within a plane or car for up to 24 hours. Common areas, plane tables, and armrests are not going to be cleaned as often as any of us would like. Cary sanitized wet wipes with you. Wipe it all down—every surface you can, as often as you can.
Wash Your Hands Every Chance You Get
We know that this sounds super obvious, but, at the end of the day, the best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands. That’s because soap and water kill more germs than hand sanitizer. This is especially effective if you wash for 20 seconds, being sure to scrub every surface of your hands before you rinse. If you aren’t able to wash your hands frequently, the CDC recommends hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as a backup. If you can’t find hand sanitizer, that’s fine. Soap and hot water is still the #1 recommendation for fighting germs!
Stay Hydrated
Keeping our mucus membranes moist is a great defense against respiratory viruses. Using saline nose spray and eye drops to moisturize your eyes can help. But the most important factor in keeping hydrated is water. Drink plenty of water and try to avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.
At the end of the day, we’re all susceptible to germs and the common cold. At this point in time, however, travel has been halted for most of the country–and definitely for international travel. Make the most of your staycation by spending time with your kiddos and finding time for fun activities and bonding in the comfort of your own home.
