‘Triple Epidemic’ holiday: How to fly safer (tip: wear a mask)

Is it too late to catch up?

Bernard Camins, medical director of infection prevention at the hospital Mount Sinai Health System, and Aaron Milstone, a pediatric infectious disease specialist Johns Hopkins Children’s Centerboth said it’s “never too late” to get an updated Covid booster.

“Most data suggest that a full immune response to a vaccine dose can take 14 days, but some of our early data has shown that people can generate an antibody response in a few days,” Dr Milstone said. “You may be more protected for a few weeks, but some benefits may be as early as a few days afterward, so get yourself an early holiday gift by getting a boost.”

dr. Camins said it’s possible the booster could reach effectiveness before the 14-day window, since there isn’t much data on this aspect of the supplement. And, he said, with vaccines in abundance, it’s easy to get a quick jab. “If you make an appointment today, it will work,” he said.

Is there anything else I can do to safely prepare for my trip?

Experts suggest thinking about why you are traveling and perhaps taking extra precautions. “We are at a point where for most people these diseases are not a personal threat if you are healthy. At the same time, during the holidays, we often get together with family, and especially visit vulnerable people and elderly family members,” said Dr. Marr.

Dr. Marr’s nuclear family will be spending the holidays with her elderly parents, so in an effort to minimize the chances of any illness spreading to them, her family will be taking more precautions, such as not visiting crowded indoor spaces before their trip.

“We probably won’t go to any restaurants in that week leading up just to make sure we minimize our chances of picking up the virus and bringing it to them,” she said.

Influenza and seasonal respiratory viruses like RSV also spread more easily through contaminated objects and hands, “so hand hygiene and cleaning/disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is an important strategy,” said Dr. Popescu. “Also, a good reminder to avoid touching your face.”

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