Holiday safety is an issue that peeks from late November to mid-January, when families gather, parties are scheduled, and holiday travel increases. It is estimated that about half of all Americans will travel over the holidays.

If you are sick with symptoms of influenza-like illness, you should not travel. These symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever. 

Here are a few holiday travel tips to consider.

• Air travel - Delays happen, especially during the holidays. Stay calm, airport professionals are working hard to get you through security and to your destination safely. Install the MyTSA app, it provides updates on security wait times

• Bus or train travel - Bring a blanket, eyemask, earplugs, masks, sanitizer, device to your favorite movies along with headphones.

• Car travel - Pack an emergency winter kit such as paper towels, plastic bags, water-resistant gloves, blanket, back-up battery charger for mobile devices, disinfectant wipes, etc. You can also get traffic information or transit issues by dialing 5-1-1.

Click below for downloadable employee travel tips and employer travel guidelines.

Tips to review before traveling:

• Travel Preparation. Investigate current flu activity in your region of travel on the CDC.gov. The CDC continues to recommend that people wear a face mask on public transportation.

• Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines. The CDC urges everyone 6 months or older who are traveling to get a COVID-19 and/or flu vaccine 2 weeks before their trip to protect themselves during their travels.

• Install Apps. Install your travel provider’s app on your smartphone. It will help you keep track of the status of your trips.

• Check with your HR team regarding your company’s travel policy

• When travling by air: ·     

  • Consider a mask. While wearing a face mask is not required, wearing one can help prevent catching the flu and COVID-19. Bring several back-up face coverings just in case.

  • Check with your airline. Check if your airline requires any testing, vaccination, or other documents. Download your airline’s app to get relevant trip related alerts.

  • Sign up for TSA PreCheck to get through security lines faster and smoother.

  • DO NOT take wrapped gifts on a flight, TSA could unwrap and check it

Traveling and gathering over the holidays can increase your risk to Flu and COVID-19. Reduce your risk by practicing recommended safety precautions of washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and physical distancing to the extent possible.

Stay Alert, Stay Healthy, Stay Safe during the holiday season!