Do I Need to Get Covid Tested Before The Holidays?

November 29, 2023

Although testing for COVID-19 is no longer required by airlines in order to travel, is it still best practice to get tested for COVID-19 before you travel this holiday season? Find out whether you should be testing for COVID-19 this holiday season. Get same-day COVID-19 rapid testing near Lakewood, CO by visiting AFC Urgent Care Lakewood.

Is COVID-19 Testing Required to Travel?

Currently, there are no major forms of travel within the U.S. that require COVID-19 testing. Because of this, testing for COVID-19 is generally a personal decision, unless you are attending an event that specifically requires a negative test. However, COVID-19 testing is an easy way to rule out illness before traveling for the holidays to avoid spreading COVID-19 to your loved ones.

If you have illness symptoms, you should consider seeking medical evaluation prior to traveling to ensure that you are not contagious. The elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions are all vulnerable to developing severe illness from seemingly mild infections. Your medical provider can evaluate your symptoms and ensure that you are not carrying COVID-19 or another illness such as the flu that could potentially infect those around you.

What To Do If You’re Sick Before Traveling?

If you’re experiencing illness symptoms before you’re supposed to travel, it is important to get a medical diagnosis prior to traveling to ensure you’re not contagious. If you have a viral infection, you are risking spreading that illness via airborne droplets throughout your route. Wearing a mask can help reduce the risk of spreading your illness, however, if possible it is best to postpone your travels until your symptoms resolve.

By receiving a medical diagnosis for your symptoms, your medical provider can inform you whether you’re contagious or not. In the case of a bacterial infection, you may be able to start antibiotics in time to not be contagious by the day of your trip. By taking early action and confirming your illness through a medical diagnosis, you can avoid spreading illness to others.

How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling

Although it is courteous to not travel while you’re sick, sometimes you may not have a choice or may not know that you are contagious. Either way, there is a risk of contracting an illness when traveling, especially around the holiday season. To protect yourself from illness while traveling, there are a few simple steps that you can take:

  • Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer
  • Sanitize your space on planes, trains etc.
  • Avoid people who sound like they may be sick
  • Wear a mask
  • Boost your immunity prior to travel by ensuring you’re hydrated and well-rested

Although it may be impossible to avoid who you sit next to on public transport, taking extra steps to ensure you are protecting yourself from illness is always a good idea to protect yourself from illness while you travel.

Get Same-Day Rapid COVID-19 Testing Near Morrison, CO at AFC Urgent Care Lakewood

Although testing for COVID-19 is no longer a requirement to travel in the U.S., it is still courteous to test if you are feeling sick to protect those around you. At AFC Urgent Care Lakewood, we offer a variety of COVID-19 services, including same-day rapid testing. Simply walk into our clinic, or reserve your spot online prior to your visit.

Squeezing in a rapid COVID-19 test is made easy at AFC Urgent Care Lakewood. Our walk-in clinic is open seven days a week with extended business hours, and we never require an appointment. Walk in before you travel this holiday season to receive same-day rapid COVID-19 testing when it’s convenient for you. For additional questions regarding the services available at our clinic, please contact us directly. 

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