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Holiday Travel Checklist: Vaccines, Rapid Testing, & Help Prep You Shouldn’t Skip
During the holidays, many people travel to see family and friends. With so many people traveling in airports and on trains, it can lead to the spread of illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and COVID-19.
It's essential to prepare your body before traveling to ensure you stay healthy for all the festivities. At Calvary Urgent Care in Humble, Texas, Dr. Joseph Goin and his team offer travel vaccines, rapid COVID tests, and same-day appointments to help you prepare.
Our team offers a range of urgent services to keep you and your family on track during the busy holiday season.
Vaccines to consider for travel
Airplanes and other forms of travel are cesspools for germs; it's easy to pick up a virus like the cold or flu during busy holiday travel. Although vaccines aren't a replacement for hand washing and sanitizer, they do protect against some contagious conditions.
Getting specific vaccines before holiday travel saves you the hassle of stopping for medicine, tissues, and other essentials for illness while you're away. A few of the vaccines we recommend before going away this season include the following:
COVID-19 vaccine
Everyone in your family who is over six months old should get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster. It protects against the different variants of the disease and helps prevent severe illness.
Flu shot
We recommend that everyone over six months old get the flu shot yearly before flu season. It changes annually to match expected variants and protect against serious illness.
RSV vaccine
The RSV vaccine is a good idea for newborns, people over 60, and women in their third trimester of pregnancy, to protect against potential serious illness.
Consider the pneumonia vaccine for children under five and adults over 50, or for those at risk of serious illness due to preexisting conditions.
What rapid testing should I have done?
Vaccines aren't the only thing you need before traveling over the holidays. If you're not feeling well or notice a tickle in your throat, it's a good idea to come in for rapid testing. We offer various same-day rapid tests for:
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Urinalysis
- STDs
- RSV
- Strep throat
- Pregnancy tests
- Mononucleosis
Our X-ray lab is conveniently located at our office, offering efficient access. We offer walk-ins and same-day appointments, which are favorable before travel.
Other holiday prep tips for travel
Staying healthy over the holidays and during travel isn't just about going to urgent care – it's also about practicing wellness habits regularly. If you want to feel your best over the holidays, we offer the following tips to prepare:
Practice good hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the best way to prevent holiday illnesses. It's essential to wash your hands thoroughly, especially at airports and other travel hubs. Take along hand sanitizer and wipes as an extra barrier against germs.
Get plenty of rest
Rest is crucial to keep your body and immune system working correctly. Holiday travel can lead to less sleep than usual. Still, it's essential to get enough sleep during the busiest time of year to avoid burnout and illness.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy
It's challenging to stay hydrated when overwhelmed during the holidays, but it's necessary for your health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and eat a healthy, nutritious diet to ensure you get the vitamins your body needs for optimal health.
Manage stress
The holidays and travel can be stressful, taking a toll on your healthcare. Try to manage stress through rest, meditation, or activities you enjoy to make holiday travel easier.
Visit our urgent care facility, conveniently located in Humble, Texas, for rapid testing and vaccines, or use our online booking feature to request an appointment today.