Why You Should See the Doctor If You Have Any Flu Symptoms for Safe Holiday Travel

The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with loved ones, travel to festive destinations, and unwind after months of hard work. But amidst the excitement, there's something that often gets overlooked—our health. 

With the flu season coinciding with holiday travel, staying safe while traveling has become more important than ever. 

Why You Should See a Doctor if You Have Symptoms

Traveling with symptoms of flu is risky not only for yourself but also for those around you. Even if you think it’s just a cold, symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches can indicate something more serious. Ignoring them or brushing them off can have serious consequences.

Here’s why seeing a doctor is the smart move:

Early Detection

Many illnesses, including the flu, are highly contagious. By seeing a doctor early, you can determine whether you’re carrying something that could spread to others. Doctors can also prescribe treatments, such as antiviral medications, that work best when administered early in the illness.

Prevent Spreading Illness

If you travel while sick, you risk spreading illness to fellow travelers, family members, and anyone you encounter. The flu can be severe, especially for the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. If you see a doctor and get a diagnosis, you can decide for yourself whether it is safe to travel or whether you should recuperate at home.

Avoid Worsening Symptoms

Stress can weaken your immune system, and travel of any kind can be quite stressful. Flying or sitting for long periods in cars, trains, or buses can exacerbate respiratory symptoms, making you feel worse. A doctor's visit can ensure you’re on the right track to recovery and help you avoid complications that could ruin your holiday plans.

Less Stress

A simple cough or sniffle is enough to cause anxiety. While it could be just a cold, the thought remains that it could be something more serious as well. Seeing a doctor can give you clarity, help alleviate your concerns, and make sure you’re not putting others at risk. After all, the holiday season should be about joy and celebration—not stress over potential illnesses.

What Symptoms Should You Watch Out For?

If you're preparing to travel, it’s important to know what symptoms should send you to the doctor. While mild symptoms can sometimes be brushed off, it’s better to err on the side of caution—especially with flu still circulating.

• Fever: A fever, especially one that persists, can be a sign of the flu. If you’re running a temperature, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
• Cough and Sore Throat: While a cough could be a symptom of a common cold, it’s also one of the hallmark symptoms of the flu. Pay attention to how severe it is, and if it’s paired with other symptoms like body aches or shortness of breath, it’s time to get checked out. 
• Body Aches and Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or achy? This can often be a sign of viral infections like the flu. Don't chalk it up to stress or exhaustion from holiday prep—your body might be telling you something more is going on.
• Shortness of Breath: If you're feeling short of breath or having trouble breathing, you should seek medical attention. This could be a sign of a more serious respiratory infection, and it’s best not to take any chances.

How to Stay Healthy While Traveling

No one wants to get sick during their holiday travels. Luckily, the best way to protect yourself from the flu is by getting vaccinated. Both vaccines are highly effective at reducing the severity of illness, even if you do contract the virus. Make sure you’re up to date on all your vaccines before your trip, and get your flu shot early in the season.

Simple measures, like washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer, can go a long way in preventing the spread of illness as well. If you're in crowded spaces like airports or train stations, be extra vigilant about hand hygiene. Try to maintain a bit of distance from others, particularly if you're feeling unwell or if others around you are coughing or sneezing. A little extra personal space can help reduce the risk of catching or spreading germs.

Although mask mandates have been relaxed in many areas, wearing a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces can still help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. If you’re traveling during flu season, consider wearing a mask, especially if you're feeling even slightly unwell.

What to Do If You Get Sick While Traveling

Even with the best precautions, sometimes illness strikes while you're already on the road. If this happens, don’t panic! Here are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and protect those around you:

Isolate If Possible

If you start feeling unwell during your trip, try to isolate yourself from others, especially in crowded settings. Many hotels and vacation rentals now have protocols in place for travelers who become ill, so don’t hesitate to inform the staff if you're feeling sick.

Seek Medical Care

If your symptoms worsen or you suspect you might have the flu, seek medical care immediately. Many destinations have telehealth services or urgent care centers that can provide advice or treatment even if you're far from home.

Notify Close Contacts

If you test positive, notify those you've been in close contact with, particularly those you traveled with or stayed with. This allows them to take necessary precautions and monitor their own health.

Before traveling for the holidays, come see us at the Sisselman Medical Group for a comprehensive physical examination. To make sure you’re all ready to go, contact us today!