Tips for reducing the risk of illness and symptom flares while traveling

As a graduate school student, I’ve come to realize that summer months and holidays are the best times for me to travel. I have a lighter schedule that allows me to travel home to see my parents, visit with friends, or go somewhere new.

However, since the development of new sickle beta-zero thalassemia symptoms earlier this year, particularly deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, coupled with increased cases of the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19, I’ve become much more fearful of traveling. This is unfortunate, because traveling is one of the hobbies that brings me the most joy.

Over the summer, I started practicing new habits both before and after traveling to reduce the likelihood of having a vaso-occlusive crisis. The following are some habits I’ll continue to implement during the fall and winter months when I travel during the holidays.

Avoiding large crowds before traveling: I often plan trips months in advance, get super excited about them, and then have to cancel right before I’m supposed to leave because I’ll catch a cold or have a vaso-occlusive crisis. This is completely discouraging, so I started assessing my behaviors before taking a trip. I noticed that the week leading up to a trip looked the same as any other week. I’d go to a grocery store at the busiest time, take the metro during rush hour, go to crowded restaurants with friends, and even attend a concert.

Busy places, especially during winter months, are breeding grounds for illness. Limiting my exposure to large crowds can help decrease my chances of getting sick and having to miss a trip.

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Tracking my water consumption the week of the trip: In a previous column, I discussed how one of my goals this year is to drink more water. I’ve mostly been successful with this. I found that using a tracking app every day to monitor my water intake and set reminders has allowed me to remain consistent.

Air travel is sometimes associated with dehydration and other physical effects, and for people with sickle cell disease, this can quickly lead to a worsening of symptoms. So, during the week leading up to a flight, I’ll make sure to create even more reminders to drink water so that I can stay hydrated ahead of traveling.

Avoiding alcohol 48 hours before traveling: In my mid-20s, I started noticing that alcohol consumption the night before a trip increased my pain the next day. This was true even when I was well hydrated. I made sure to have a glass of water before and after an alcoholic drink, as well as electrolyte beverages like Gatorade on nights when I knew I’d have more than one drink. Despite this, if I drank an alcoholic beverage and then had to travel by car or plane the next day, I’d be in excruciating pain. Now, I eliminate alcohol at least 48 hours before my travel day.

Wearing a mask in the airport and on the plane: A great way to reduce exposure to the common cold, the flu, and COVID-19 during winter months is by wearing a mask. Since the start of the pandemic, traveling with an N95 mask is a must for me. While it might make me hot during the summer months, I’d rather know that I’m doing everything I can to reduce my exposure to illness. This is even more important during the winter months. When I’m walking through an airport and flying in the sky, you’ll always see me wearing a mask.

What are some of your tips to avoid illness while traveling? Please share in the comments below. 

Note: Sickle Cell Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues about sickle cell disease.