Travel after COVID-19 Stay Vigilant and Take Precautions

Dr. LIN Wai Chi, Ada

Specialist in Infectious Disease

With the return to normalcy after the pandemic, most of us cannot wait to hop on a plane and travel overseas for work, reunions or sightseeing. No matter where you have in mind, enjoy your trips with the following tips for safe travel.

Prevent Intestinal Infections

While indulging in the local cuisine of the South East Asia, be careful with food hygiene. To better prevent infection diseases such as hepatitis A and typhoid, don’t forget to get vaccinated before travel. You may also consult your doctor for prescription of antibiotics or preventive medications if deemed necessary.

Beware of Vector-borne Diseases

Vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever and Rickettsia infections are rampant in certain parts of Africa and South East Asia. Therefore you need to stay vigilant and stay from insects such as mosquitoes during travel. Also consider taking preventive medications or getting jabbed whenever necessary. 

In general, it is advisable to have the medications ready or get vaccinated before departure. Consult a healthcare professional as soon as you start planning your trip.

Stay Alert to Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory infections other than COVID-19 should also merit your attention before and during travel. As vaccines for influenza, pneumococcal infection, respiratory synovial virus (RSV), etc. are currently available or soon available, better get vaccinated if feasible for effective protection. Don’t forget to observe hand hygiene and wear a mask whenever appropriate.

Remember COVID-19, Undergo Thorough Assessment If Needed

As COVID-19 has become endemic in many countries, we cannot afford to let our guard down against new variants despite prior infection. For optimal protection against COVID-19, you should get vaccinated on a regular basis. Also perform a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) whenever necessary, and have prescribed medications at hand during travel. Research has shown that at least 30% of recovered patients might experience symptoms of post COVID-19 condition (commonly known as “long COVID”). If you still feel unwell for a prolonged period after infection and present with symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia, poor concentration, etc., seek medical attention as soon as possible and consider thorough assessment for any underlying health risks.