Memorial Day is typically the kickoff to the summer, when millions of U.S. travelers will hit the road for the long holiday weekend. With mask guidelines relaxed for the fully vaccinated in most settings, nearly 125 million Americans can enjoy the usual visits with family and friends, with the feel of a nearly pre-pandemic normal. Still for others, including those yet to be vaccinated, the new health guidelines—particularly in relation to travel—can be vexing.
Before leaving for that Memorial Day barbecue or booking a big international trip, there are things consumers should know in order to travel and gather safely this summer. To best navigate the upcoming summer travel and social events, SingleCare asked its Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ramzi Yacoub, Pharm. D, to tell us his tips on how to have a safe and healthy Memorial Day weekend trip and plan that big summer vacation.
Attending a Memorial Day BBQ? Mask up if you’re not vaccinated.
Dr. Yacoub: “While outdoor BBQ get-togethers are less of a risk, if you are not vaccinated or considered to be fully vaccinated, you’ll need to mask up. According to CDC guidelines, people who are fully vaccinated can resume the activities they did prior to the pandemic, including outdoor gatherings. However, if you have yet to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, are in between doses, or it has not been 14 days since your last dose, you’re not considered to be fully vaccinated. Until then, you’ll need to take all precautions against the virus, including wearing a mask and keeping 6 feet apart.”
I’m fully vaccinated and plan on attending a Memorial Day gathering, can I transmit the virus to others?
Dr. Yacoub: “While you are far less likely to contract the virus when you are fully vaccinated, there remains the rare possibility for breakthrough cases. While there is growing evidence to support that those who are fully vaccinated would carry a lighter viral load and lower potential to transmit, health experts continue to evaluate research. For those who are not vaccinated or ineligible to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines, it is best for them to follow CDC guidelines and continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and wash their hands frequently.”
What’s the safest way to travel during the summer?
Dr. Yacoub: “If you’re looking to take a Memorial Day or summer trip, I believe the safest form of transportation is traveling by car, especially if you or members of your household are still not vaccinated. By hitting the open road in a personal vehicle, you limit interactions with crowds of people and oftentimes the people you’re traveling with are from the same household. If you do end up taking a plane, train, or bus to get to where you’re going, prepare to mask up, whether you’re fully vaccinated or not.”
If you’re heading overseas, do your homework.
Dr. Yacoub: “If you’re thinking about traveling abroad this summer, note the CDC recommends this only for those who are fully vaccinated. Before you take-off for your international trip, check to see if the destination you’re traveling to has COVID-19 requirements in place as they can vary dramatically from country to country. There are a number of countries, including many in Europe that are likely to adopt digital travel (‘green’) certificates, (or some may use vaccine passports), so if you’re planning to break away to one of these destinations this summer, it’s important to do your homework before you hop on that flight. The last thing you’d want to do is burn precious summer vacation time off in quarantine in a foreign country, or have to plot a quick return trip home.
“When it’s time to return to the U.S., all airline passengers must get a COVID-19 test no more than three days prior to traveling and show their negative test result to the airline before they board the plane. Additionally, the CDC recommends that if you’ve traveled internationally that you should still get tested three to five days after you return home; however, you do not need to self-quarantine after entering the United States.
“These guidelines are changing constantly, so travelers should continue to check in to the CDC and destination tourism websites for the places they’re planning to visit for the latest guidance up to their departure.”
Prepare a medication travel kit
Dr. Yacoub: “Whether you’re going to be jet-setting domestically or taking an exotic international vacation, it’s important to be prepared for whatever situation comes your way. This doesn’t stop when it comes to medication as you may not want to hunt for a pharmacy in the middle of the night, or track down the medicine you need when in a faraway land. Here are the five meds I recommend packing, especially if you’re taking international trips where you may not have easy access to pharmacies or familiar medication brands.
Advil or Tylenol:
Common over-the-counter pain relief drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are always good to keep on hand for any headaches or other mild aches and pains that sometimes occur while traveling.
Imodium or Pepto Bismol:
If you’re trying new foods for the first time, it’s best to bring antidiarrheal medication, like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate, in case the food you eat doesn’t agree with your stomach.
Tums or Pepcid AC:
If you tend to get heartburn after a big meal or find yourself having stomach issues at night, antacids are great for instant relief, allowing you to relax during your time off.
Benadryl or Zyrtec:
You never know when allergies can strike and that is often the case whenever we travel to new locations. To help alleviate your allergy symptoms, always pack antihistamines, like diphenhydramine or cetirizine, for any seasonal allergies that may occur when traveling.
Maintenance medications:
You won’t want to be far from your pharmacy (or any pharmacy) without your prescription so it’s best to refill all your chronic meds before leaving the house.”
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