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COVID-19‌ ‌While‌ ‌Traveling‌- What‌ ‌to‌ ‌Do‌

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With COVID-19 measures easing, some countries have begun to allow air travel once again. This makes for an especially interesting time to travel, given that COVID-19 cases are as high as they’ve ever been. According to WorldMeter, a website that pulls COVID-19 statistics from a series of government and health-related websites, there were 31 million cases worldwide on the 22nd of September, 2020. Therefore, if you plan to travel, you should know what to do if you experience COVID-19 symptoms while travelling.

What to do

Risks and Symptoms

First, you should understand early warning signs that may suggest you have COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the presence of a COVID infection is gradual and easily noticeable but also can be confused with other conditions such as allergies or the common flu. Either way, be on the lookout for the following signs and COVID-19 symptoms while travelling:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Dry cough
  • Body aches
  • Shortness of breath

Each of these symptoms may begin within two to 14 days after coming into contact with an infected person or surface. Less common symptoms may include a sore throat, chills, loss of smell or taste, congestion, and even diarrhoea. More severe symptoms may include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Constant pain in the chest
  • Blue lips and/or face
  • Loss of smell/taste
  • Sudden confusion

If you experience any more severe symptoms, you should immediately contact the local emergency services and tell them you suspect you have COVID-19 and explain why. Aside from looking out for symptoms, there are several things you can do to prevent infection in the first place.

Prevent Infection While Traveling

The best advice would be to not travel, yet that may not be realistic for you. If you must travel, then bring along plenty of disposable face masks as they can reduce the chance of infection by preventing the spread of droplets when you cough or sneeze. The use of face masks is also widely supported by the likes of the CDC and other health-related institutions such as Johns Hopkins.

Aside from masks, you can also plan for travel that is more secluded from others. If possible, try to sit away from other travellers and wash your hands often. Currently, the World Health Organization suggests maintaining a distance of 3 meters from others, while some studies suggest that COVID-19 can live in the air up to 13 feet or more from the infected person.

What to Do Before Traveling

Now that you know what are the COVID-19 symptoms while travelling and know to wear a mask, you should prepare a plan before travelling. You should first find the emergency services contact information for the area you’ll be travelling to. For instance, not every country has the same emergency services phone number. In other circumstances, some countries may have plenty of people who speak your language, and others may not. It may be a good idea to write down a few phrases in the native language. For example, you could find out how to say, “I believe I have COVID-19.” In that case, a simple phrase could make a difference.

You should also create a plan in case you do experience symptoms or contract COVID-19. For example, besides emergency services, you may also want to contact family or loved ones. You should also make sure you have access to accommodations and money to quarantine for up to 21 days in case you do get COVID-19 symptoms while travelling.

What to Do While Traveling

So, even with all those precautions, what if you still notice symptoms similar to COVID-19 while travelling, then what? The first step is to isolate yourself. Let’s say you are in a crowded market looking for a good deal in a foreign country. Then suddenly it hits you: You’ve had a mild fever and dry cough that has lasted the entire day. Now is the time to put on a face mask and get to a less crowded area. If you’re travelling with others, you should inform them of this as well. Try to maintain a safe distance from those you’re travelling with and leave the area.

Next, you’ll need to notify the authorities. Even if you end up not having COVID-19, it’s still important to get tested. Call the local emergency services number and tell them you are experiencing symptoms similar to COVID-19. From that point on, your mileage may vary. Some countries may have a strict protocol if you have COVID-19 symptoms while travelling, while others may not. If you’re in a more developed nation, you’ll be told to stay there, and emergency services will come to pick you up. You’ll likely be put into a specially made and isolated environment until your test comes back. If you do have COVID-19 but are not at risk and aren’t experiencing severe symptoms, then you’ll likely need to quarantine for 14 to 21 days. This may be troubling and put a burden on you. Just remember it will soon be over and don’t turn to a substance like alcohol for relief. In many cases, substance abuse will only make the matter worse. If you believe you have a substance abuse problem, then click here now.

Coronavirus- How to safeguard yourself from it.

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With the onset of this deadly virus, everyone is not only scared but also full of queries and doubts. Here is an attempt to answer all your questions and clarify all doubts. Read this post to know everything about Coronavirus or COVID-19. Also included in this post- some myths related to this virus and the latest updates from around the world.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) explained

What is Coronavirus or COVID-19?

According to WHO, “Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.”

What began with a handful of mysterious illnesses in a vast central China city has now travelled the world, jumping from animals to humans and from obscurity to international headlines. First detected on the last day of 2019, the novel coronavirus has infected more than 85000 as we speak — within China’s borders and beyond them — and has killed more than 2,900. It has triggered unprecedented quarantines, stock market upheaval and dangerous conspiracy theories.

What are the symptoms this coronavirus causes?

The most common symptoms of Coronavirus are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don’t feel unwell. After a week, it leads to shortness of breath and some patients require hospital treatment. The incubation period – between infection and showing any symptoms – lasts up to 14 days. Around 1 out of every 6 people who get Coronavirus (COVID-19) becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness.

What are the symptoms?

It seems to start with a fever, followed by a dry cough. After a week, it leads to shortness of breath and some patients require hospital treatment. The incubation period – between infection and showing any symptoms – lasts up to 14 days, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). But some researchers say it may be as long as 24 days. And Chinese scientists say some people may be infectious even before their symptoms appear.

How does Coronavirus (COVID-19) spread?

The best explanation for this rapid spread is that it’s being passed through droplets from coughing or sneezing. When these virus-laden droplets from an infected person reach the nose, eyes, or mouth of another, they can transmit the disease.

Protection measures for everyone-

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting most people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others.

Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

  • Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
    Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
  • Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
    Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the Coronavirus(COVID-19) if the person coughing has the disease.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
    Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
  • Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
    Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
    Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
  • Stay informed on the latest developments about Coronavirus (COVID-19). Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from the Coronavirus.
    Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Now Let’s Talk about some Myths!

In the present era of technology, myths, rumours, false news, have become an indispensable part of our lives. It is extremely important that we know how what is wrong and what is right to safeguard ourselves and also to avoid spreading any false news.

Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low. 

Can an ultraviolet disinfection lamp kill the Coronavirus?

UV lamps should not be used to sterilize hands or other areas of skin as UV radiation can cause skin irritation.

Can spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body kill the Coronavirus?

No. Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. Spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (i.e. eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be useful to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.

Can eating garlic help prevent infection with the new Coronavirus?

Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from the new coronavirus.

Coronavirus in Figures.

Coronavirus Cases: 85,679

Deaths: 2,933

Number of Countries affected: 60

Coronavirus Latest Updates (February 29 GMT):

AMERICA-

  • 3 new cases in the United States
  • 1 new case in Canada (Ontario)

ASIA-

  •  594 new cases and 1 death in South Korea.
  • 1 new case in Japan

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