Elizabeth Mullans, M.D. Shares Five Tips to Fly Healthy

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention announced an update to their guidelines, sharing that those who are fully vaccinated are at a "low risk" of infection when traveling abroad or domestically. However, the CDC warns that states and territories may continue to enforce their own COVID-19 travel restrictions.

"As our knowledge and the effectiveness of vaccines is new and still unknown and variant strains are rampant, it’s critical to continue safety practices, especially in crowded airplanes," says Elizabeth Mullans, M.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist. “Don’t forget to mask up, keep your hands clean, and generously use long-lasting hand sanitizers and disinfectant sprays to protect you and disinfect the seating area around you including headrests, seat belt, chair arms, and tray tables.”

According to a recent Airbnb report, 54% of people have already booked their next trip, are planning to travel, or expect to travel in 2021, signaling the importance of staying healthy & safe flying.

Dr. Elizabeth Mullans shares 5 tips to travel safely:

1. Wear a face mask. The CDC’s Emergency Order mandates face masks be worn on all public conveyances. While breathable, comfortable, reusable masks are important for virus protection, wearing them for long periods of time may cause skin irritation and acne. This may trigger skin sensitivities, so make sure to wash face masks with a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free laundry detergent like, Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear.
2. Keep the Immune System Strong. Make sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet and get adequate sleep (even if it means snoozing on the plane). Airlines have stepped up cleaning and social distancing measures on planes to maximize air flow volume for all passengers through HEPA filtration systems, however, the low humidity levels inside of an airplane cabin can oftentimes cause onset of a cold. Keep a cold shortening product that contains Zinc on-hand, like Zicam, and take an immune supplement to proactively support overall health while traveling. A great option is vitafusion Triple Immune Power because of its great-tasting gummy form.
3. Organize important documents. Whether traveling internationally or domestically, always keep vaccination cards, COVID-19 test results, driver’s licenses, hotel confirmation print outs, and passports in a secure place like in a DocSafe Document Bag. For those vaccinated, laminate the vaccination card to avoid water damage.
4. Use an alcohol-free, long lasting hand sanitizer. Disinfect & Shield Hand Sanitizer is available as a moisture-infused foam or spray that leaves an invisible, “breathable” barrier on the skin. It not only destroys 99.99% of bacteria but is also eco-friendly, making it ultra-safe for use around pets and plants while protecting the treated surface for up to a full eight hours. Unlike most hand sanitizers, Disinfect & Shield is alcohol-free and eliminates the harsh fumes and cracked, dry skin that accompanies alcohol-based sanitizers. Plus, it’s safe for use on PPE and masks.
5. Adhere to CDC guidelines. Although many are not required to stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7-days after traveling, it is important to follow all state and local recommendations as they can vary state to state.

“Remember to be mindful, plan out a trip well in advance, and be aware of the COVID-19 policies and guidelines set by the destination you’re visiting. Remember, a negative COVID-19 test before your trip does not necessarily mean you are in the clear. Symptoms might not show for up to two weeks, so remain cautious,” concluded Board-Certified Dermatologist, Elizabeth Mullans, M.D.

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