COVID Travel: Advice for Pregnant Women and Elderly

Traveling has become quite risky these days due to the outbreak of the corona virus all over the world. Along with halting of international global airlines, even local travelling has been restricted. People all the across the globe are told be quarantine i.e. to stay at home in complete isolation. In case, one has to travel due to certain reasons it is important to follow certain precautions and advice especially when it comes to pregnant women and old people to avoid contraction of the COVID-19 or corona virus.

Pregnant Women

According to research, pregnant women are not at higher risk to contract Corona virus as compared to general public. But the reason for third is there haven’t been many cases of COVID 19 involving pregnant women. However, as it is said ‘prevention is always better that cure’. The virus can affect the growth of foetus and complicate pregnancy. It is also said that it may have drastic effects such as preterm labour, foetal distress, respiratory distress, low platelets, abnormal liver function tests, etc. Some of the advice that should be followed by pregnant women are:

• Try not to eat outside food and prefer carrying homemade food while travelling.
• Make sure that you cover your mouth with a mask to avoid any kind of contact with the virus.
• Wash your hand frequently so that even of you touch your face or any food meant for consumption with infected hands, it won’t reach the baby.
• Hydrate yourself as frequently as possible.
• Take prenatal vitamins and your daily medication without fail to avoid complications.

Older People

Research shows that, older people are at the peak risk of becoming a victim to corona virus or COVID 19. Older people mostly have already established lung or heart diseases and as a result become more prone towards catching the virus. It is best to not travel during this corona virus outbreak, however if the need arises to, older people should strictly follow certain precautions:

• Before travelling, people above the age of 60 should take pneumonia vaccine.
• Make sure that while travelling, you have your health records at hand.
• If you are travelling, it is advised to carry extra medication which will at least suffice for two extra weeks.
• Make sure that you avoid crowded places, and try staying home as much as possible.
• Stay sanitized
• If you are older, you are more likely to face severe conditions if you catch the virus as aging and underlying health conditions contribute to the deterioration of the health. Hence it is advised to follow all the precautionary measures and be safe.

Here is some general advice for everyone to follow against COVID-19 whilst travelling:

• Wash your hands as often as possible with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds as your hands come in contact with many things while travelling.
• Make sure you frequently use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or alcohol wipes having more that 60% of alcohol content, especially while travelling in public transport.
• Avoid touching things and resort to gloves.
• Avoid touching hands, nose and mouth.
• Use mask whenever you step out of the house and if not, cover your mouth with tissue or closed elbow while coughing or sneezing.
• Try to stay away from the people who appear to be sick.
• Stay updated with the changing rules related to travelling in various countries and your country.
• Make sure that you contact your airline, travel company, cruise or other transport-accommodation providers to make sure you can still travel
• Try to avoid human contact and crowded places as much as possible.
• Make sure that you are aware that there might be screening/monitoring at entry and exit ports.
• Be aware that in some countries you may be ordered to self-isolate yourself for certain specified time, even if you don’t have any symptoms

It has become necessary to follow this advice while travelling to stay safe during this deadly coronavirus pandemic. People of any age with serious chronic or respiratory medical conditions should follow precautions and avoid non-essential travelling. However, the best you can do for yourself and for others is resort to social distancing and avoid travelling as much as possible.

To book a COVID-19 Test, visit our website or you can even visit our nearest Pathkind Labs laboratory for more information.