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With the holidays underway for millions of Australians already, travellers are eagerly putting the final touches on their long-awaited trips for both interstate and overseas travel to celebrate with loved ones or simply unwind. However, the ongoing threat of COVID-19, influenza and other viruses poses potential risks to our health and travel plans.

While these concerns may not be at the forefront of our minds, these illnesses can significantly impact our well-being, especially if you’re in a foreign country unable to access the medications or support available in Australia. Top of Form

The latest results from wave eight of the Survey of COVID-19 Responses to Understand Behaviour (SCRUB) project show more than a third (36%) of Australians with cold or flu-like symptoms spend time in public and almost one in five (18%) attend work in person. In fact, over one-third of Australians (36%) are less likely to test for the virus this year when experiencing symptoms.

But does that mean we should be flying or travelling if we’re infected?

Given the choice of travelling with an illness or hunkering down and isolating, which could cost thousands of dollars in hotel fees, room-service meals, missed work, and childcare, many choose to fly or travel infected. And no rules are stopping Australians from boarding a plane or boarding that cruise despite a positive RAT.

Global flu activity is on the rise owing to decreases in temperate in the Northern Hemisphere regions, especially in parts of Europe, Central Asia, Western Asia, Eastern Asia, and North America, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). There have also been reports from China showing an increase in incidence of respiratory diseases in children due to the circulation of pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, RSV and COVID-19. More recently, several European countries have recorded a sharp rise in child pneumonia cases – Denmark and France have seen infections surge to epidemic levels.

With an uptick in infections for various illnesses, it is even more vital that Australians prioritise their health during one of the most significant travel periods.

So, what can Australians do to protect themselves during the festive season better? Here are some practical tips to help you stay healthy on your upcoming trip this holiday season:

Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest travel advisories and health guidelines for your destination. For example, there are current COVID-19 outbreaks in Singapore and Indonesia, two well-travelled destinations for Australians, while US health officials are warning of a ‘tripledemic’ with surges of flu, RSV, and other pathogens.
Plan Ahead: Discuss potential health risks and preventive measures to ensure everyone in your family is on the same page. Add OTC medication to your packing list, but also take hand sanitiser and wipes, especially if you have young kids who touch anything and everything.
Utilise testing resources: Take advantage of available testing resources like TouchBio’s RSV, Flu and COVID combo tests. These tests offer a quick and reliable way to check your travel health. COVID-19, RSV and Influenza A and B symptoms are also very similar, making it hard to determine which one you have when you start to feel sick.
Practice hygiene: Simple hygiene measures, like regular handwashing and sanitising, can go a long way in preventing the spread of infections.
Getting a booster – Protection will wane over time, and viruses will change, so it’s still important to factor in boosters. Data revealed that only 1.9 million Australian adults have received a COVID vaccination from six months to November 8. Meanwhile, the Immunisation Coalition data shows that around a third of Australians received at least one dose of the influenza vaccine.
Social distancing or isolating if unwell – If you don’t need to go out, it’s best to stay home even if you are asymptomatic. If you need to go out, remember to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask to protect those around you.

As international travel gradually returns to pre-pandemic levels, with Australians seeking to explore, create lasting memories, and reconnect with family and friends, it’s essential to recognise that health risks persist. Therefore, understanding and preparing for the diverse health challenges before and during travelling is necessary to ensure a memorable experience.