With Thanksgiving right around the corner, and Christmas just about a month away, many of my diabetic patients ask whether it is safe to be traveling during COVID aka coronavirus for diabetics, or is it okay to visit family or gather for the holidays? So we will talk about travel and celebrations during the COVID pandemic!
As you know, diabetes and other chronic diseases are significant risk factors increasing the risk of death from COVID. You may not be a high-risk individual, but if you do not take the necessary measures you may cause someone else’s death. If that person is someone in your family, that is even more tragic. Diabetic patients are to take extra measures to protect themselves.
Dr. Ergin SugarMD writes about diabetes weekly
Now, by the way, even if you survived, you will feel sick, very sick. If you want to be sick during or after thanksgiving or Christmas go ahead and dive your nose into COVID-infested air.
Well.. many factors contribute to the risk of getting infected during Travel by COVID 19 or infecting others with the coronavirus while traveling during COVID. It's important to keep these in mind when thinking ahead for the holidays.
Covid travel
Traveling during COVID DOES increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19, especially for diabetics. Staying home is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others. But if you do decide to travel, here are some tips.
After your gathering, take extra precautions for 14 days to avoid spreading if you may have been exposed to COVID. Also, disinfect the area where the gathering took place. Get tested if you’re worried you may have been exposed.
If you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or if you test positive for COVID-19, immediately contact the host and others that attended the gathering that you attended.
Now your local community levels of COVID-19? Do you know? It’s important to know the levels of COVID-19 cases in the gathering location. You can find up to date information on sites from the local county health department websites. Why? Because where your friends and family are coming from can determine the risk of infection and spread. So, you should consider the number of COVID-19 cases in your community and in the community where you plan to celebrate the thanksgiving or Christmas.
Thank you for reading this article and I hope you all stay safe and happy during the holidays. AHMET ERGIN, MD, FACE, CDCES, ECNU ENDOCRINOLOGIST 2260 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Ste 212 Unit #7 West Palm Beach Florida For more information: Download our app at the apple or google store by searching the SugarMDs app. Follow us on Facebook
Download our app at the apple or google store by searching the SugarMDs app. Follow us on Facebook
Written By Dr. Ahmet Ergin
455 total articles
Meet Dr. Ahmet Ergin, a highly skilled and dedicated endocrinologist with a passion for diabetes care. Dr. Ergin earned his medical degree with honors from Marmara University in Istanbul. He completed internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Ergin is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism due to his vast medical expertise. He's a certified diabetes educator, author of “The Ultimate Diabetes Book,” and founder of “the SugarMD YouTube channel.” Dr. Ergin offers exceptional diabetes care to his patients in Port Saint Lucie, FL, helping them manage effectively. For a closer look into his insights and experiences, connect with Dr. Ahmet Ergin on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.”
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information on this website isn't intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss with your doctor and do not self-treat.