Staying Healthy During Holiday Travels

While traveling during this festive season can be an enriching experience, it also brings unique health considerations, especially for families with children and seniors who may be more vulnerable to seasonal illnesses. By taking a proactive approach to health, including keeping up with vaccinations and implementing travel safety strategies, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everyone. Here are some essential tips to prepare your family for healthy travel this winter.

Flu Season is Here

Winter travel often means spending time in crowded environments such as airports, buses, and trains, which can increase exposure to infectious diseases. When traveling as a family with children and seniors, keeping up with recommended vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. Children and seniors are more at risk of contracting a virus due to their more fragile immune systems; vaccines help strength these systems to stay safe while vacationing. Here’s why it’s important to make vaccinations part of travel prep: 

• Flu Vaccine: 
  • Children: Children, especially those under five and those with underlying conditions like asthma or diabetes, benefit from the flu vaccine because it reduces their risk of severe flu complications, which can often lead to hospitalization. These complications can include pneumonia and dehydration. The flu vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization for children. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), vaccination reduces the risk of flu-related pediatric hospitalizations by up to 74%. Children are often primary flu spreaders due to close contact in schools and daycare. Vaccinating them helps protect more vulnerable populations, like infants under six months who cannot receive the flu vaccine themselves. 
  • Seniors: Adults aged 65 and older face the highest risk of severe complications, including flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, due to weaker immune systems. Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or chronic respiratory illnesses amplify these risks. High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines, designed specifically for seniors, provide a stronger immune response. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), vaccines are 24% more effective at preventing flu in adults over 65 than standard-dose vaccines. Seniors recovering from severe flu cases often experience prolonged recovery times, affecting their mobility and independence. Preventing flu through vaccination helps preserve their quality of life. 
• COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Shots: Staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations can provide additional protection during travel. This vaccine is beneficial for families with both young children and elderly members who may have compromised immunity. These groups often have varying levels of immunity and may be more vulnerable to severe outcomes. Receiving the booster, if eligible, before traveling strengthens defenses against severe illnesses and complications. 
  • Children: While children may experience milder COVID-19 symptoms, they can still carry and spread the virus. Keeping up with boosters minimizes the risk, helping to protect both young and old family members during trips. 
  • Seniors: Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions, are at a higher risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. Staying up to date on booster shots provides an added layer of security, especially when visiting crowded places like airports or public transportation hubs. 
• RSV Vaccine: 
  • Seniors: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be severe for those over 60. Seniors are particularly vulnerable because of natural age-related declines in immune function and the likelihood of underlying health conditions such as heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). RSV infections in seniors can lead to pneumonia, exacerbation of existing lung conditions, or hospitalization. With the recent availability of an RSV vaccine, older adults traveling with families have an additional level of protection. 
  • Children: RSV can significantly affect children, particularly infants and young children under the age of two. RSV is the leading cause of respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia in children. While it often causes mild, cold-like symptoms in health older children and adults, it can be severe or life-threatening for infants under six months, premature babies, children with chronic health conditions or those exposed to secondhand smoke. 

Many vaccines, such as the flu shot, take up to two weeks to reach full effectiveness so scheduling them in advance ensures they are effective by the time you start your trip. For those traveling with children or seniors who may be more susceptible to side effects or reactions, planning ahead also provides time to manage any post-vaccine symptoms. 

Travel Health Essentials

Aside from vaccination, when traveling with children and seniors, thoughtful preparation can be key to managing health needs on the go. Here are some essential health items to pack and tips for ensuring a safe, smooth trip:

Prescription Medication

Ensure that all prescription medications are restocked and packed. If you take a daily medication, consider bringing extra for unexpected delays. Pack medications in carry-on bags, so they aren’t lost in case your checked baggage is misplaced and keep them in original packaging for identification. 

For seniors with more complex medication schedules should consider bringing a list of prescriptions, which can help in medical appointments or emergencies. For ease, we provide a printable Know Your Medications form to track and organize prescriptions. 

Antibiotics and Travel-Ready Medications

• Antibiotics: While antibiotics require prescription, they can be helpful if recommended by a doctor, especially for seniors who may be prone to respiratory infections. Consult your physician before travel to discuss if preventative antibiotics are needed based on the travel destination or health history. 
• Children’s Medication: For children, include essential over-the-counter medications approved by your pediatrician, such as fever reducers or anti-nausea remedies. Be sure to check dosage requirements and expiration dates before packing.
• Allergy Medication: Even in during winter, allergies can still be a concern, especially when traveling to areas with different climates. Dust, mold, and pet dander in different environments can trigger allergic reactions. Bring any allergy medication you usually take, as different regions may have allergens to which you are not accustomed. 

Track and Manage Medications

Traveling with medications requires planning, particularly for seniors who may have complex medication schedules. Here are some ways you can manage medications on the go:

• Use a Pill Organizer: Pill organizers can help track daily medications and avoid missed doses. They can be purchased at drugstores like CVS Pharmacy or through Amazon.com. 
• Set Alarms: Use alarms to remind you when it’s time to take medications, especially if changing time zones. There are specific alarms to remind you to take your medication that could be purchased through Target or Amazon. 

Staying Healthy During Travel

When on a holiday trip it can be easy to forget the importance of maintaining healthy and keep children and seniors healthy. However, sickness can put a stop on a family holiday, so being vigilant to maintain the health of everyone in the trip is crucial. Making sure that children and seniors are eating superfoods that provide them nutrients and vitamins, can help boost their immune system. Other ways you can keep your family sick-free during a trip are:

• Prevent Dehydration: Staying hydrated is essential, especially for children and older adults during travel. Airplane cabins and colder climates often have lower humidity levels, which can quickly lead to dehydration. Encourage everyone to drink water consistently, even if they don’t feel thirsty. For children, pack a favorite water bottle to make hydration fun. Seniors might benefit from electrolyte-enhanced drinks to maintain hydration without overloading on sugar. Avoid dehydrating beverages like caffeine during travel. 
• For Seniors, Keep Moving During Long Trips: Prolonged siting during travel, especially on long flight or car trips, can lead to issues like blood clots in seniors or those with mobility issue. Taking breaks for stretching exercises and foot exercises is important. 
  • During Flights: Walk down the aisle or perform seated leg stretches. 
  • During Car Trips: Schedule breaks to stand, stretch, and walk for five minutes. Foot exercises like ankle rolls and toe-pointing can also boost circulation. For those with mobility problems, compression socks can help reduce swelling and support healthy blood flow. 
• Wear A Mask: Masks can protect against some allergens. They can also protect you from getting sick, and wearing a mask in enclosed public spaces can protect you. You can also protect others by wearing a mask if you feel sick. 

Manage Stress and Get Plenty of Rest

Traveling to visit family for the holidays can be exciting, but it can also be tiring and stressful for parents. Stress factors like taking care of children or seniors in a different environment can have effects on the immune system. It is important for parents to prioritize getting rest and managing stress factors can keep the body resilient during travel. 

• Stress management: practice deep breathing exercises or pack small comforts like books or headphones for relaxation. 
• Rest: Ensure children and seniors stick to a sleep schedule before and during the trip to maintain energy. 

Sleep Well Before a Trip

Make sure everyone, especially children get adequate sleep a to avoid a grumpy passenger. Seniors and adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep before a flight. For children, the amount of sleep hours prior to a trip is determined by their age.

• Toddlers (1–2 years): 11–14 hours, including naps. 
• Preschoolers (3–5 years): 10–13 hours, including naps. 
• School-age (6–13 years): 9–12 hours 
• Teens (14–17 years): 8–10 hour

Travel is a wonderful experience that allows you to make memorable experience with family and friends. By taking proactive steps to protect your health and manage potential risks, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. 

If you have any questions about preparing for travel or want personalized recommendations for health care during your journey, consider consulting with a trusted provider. Making an appointment with your physician is good idea to making sure you are ready for travel. You can easily schedule vaccine appointments or wellness visits with one of our primary care physicians or call (877) 696-3622.