Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is the best and most effective way to reduce the severity and spread of COVID-19. This was what David Aronoff MD, director of Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center told Insider during his medical review of the piece.

He stated that while masks, social distancing, and reduced crowding are some of the things we can do reduce the spread COVID-19, vaccination has been proven to protect against infection, reduce the risk of severe diseases and death.

Make sure everyone in your travel party, or meeting you at your destination, is up to date on vaccines and has received their booster dose.

All travelers need to ask themselves this question before they travel: Can I afford being stuck somewhere if my travel companion gets COVID? Dr. Aronoff said, "If the answer to that question is no, then stay home."

Dr. Aronoff recommends that you carefully review your insurance to determine if you are traveling and where you can get medical attention. To enter certain countries, you will need proof that your travel insurance covers COVID. Dr. Aronoff suggested that you have a plan of where you would go for treatment if you get sick, and how you would quarantine people from you are visiting.

No matter if you drive or fly, vaccinated or unvaccinated, you should remember the basics of COVID Travel. Make sure your mask fits snugly without any gaps. Layering two masks may help.

You should also have a COVID-19 portable safety kit in your bag, regardless of whether you are driving or flying.

Evidence of vaccination

Getting the COVID vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and others safe when traveling during the pandemic. You will need proof of vaccination to enter many countries. Even if you are traveling within the country, it is a good idea.

We recommend that you travel with your vaccine card in a protective vinyl case. There are a few apps like CommonPass or VeriFLY that let you upload proof of vaccination and connect PCR results, so you can have all the proof you need.

Adult Masks

No matter what your status is or where you fly, masks are mandatory on all airlines. Masks are also recommended for public places while driving, such as public restrooms and service stations.

Coronavirus is an aeroborne virus so wearing a mask is a key way to prevent spreading.

The right Mask the correct Way helps protect you and your family.

A mask can be worn by almost everyone, except those who are unable to put on or remove a mask. Dr. Sanchez said that this includes people with heart and lung problems or chronic conditions. She assures that even though it may feel harder to breathe with a mask, it does not affect the amount of oxygen your body receives.

Why is it so important to use masks? Consider the COVID virus as cigarette smoke. It can spread indoors (beyond 6ft from the person who inhaled it, and around plexiglass barriers), and can hang indefinitely in the air even after the person has left the room.

Given the spreadability of the virus and the fact that it is contagious, it is more important than ever for you to wear a mask to prevent others from getting it and to avoid inhaling it.

The N95-type masks work best as they are not in short supply, unlike early in the pandemic. Next comes KN95 masks, which technically are respirators and masks. Dr. Sanchez explained that both seal the nose and sides to reduce air leakage and provide additional air filtration.

But counterfeits are not uncommon. Check the CDC's approved masks and suppliers list. You can tell if a real N95 has straps around the back, instead of ear loops, and a TC number (e.g. 84AXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXU for U.S.-approved n95s).

A three-layer cloth mask, after N95s or KN95s is the next best choice. The outer two layers should be tightly-woven fabrics like linen or cotton, and the middle should be a filter fabric that you have either added in or built-in (a folded paper towel is a great option).

Insider is told by Abe Malkin MD, MBA, founder and medical director at Concierge MD LA. A tight fit of your mask will trap potentially infected air particles and prevent them from escaping through the edges. No gaps should be found around your mask's edges, regardless of whether you are vaccinated.

If you have gaps in your mask's top or sides, or if it is a single-ply one, it is a smart idea to use a disposable surgical mask underneath and a tighter fabric mask over the top. If your mask falls down below your nose while you talk, that's a sign you need a better-fitting one.

Avoid neck bandanas and neck gaiters -- early reports that they were worse than no mask at ALL were likely exaggerated, but researchers know that real masks are more effective. They are also banned by many airlines.

Masks for children

A properly fitting mask is essential for everyone. Dr. Malkin recommends that children use masks designed for children, and adds, "adult masks are too large for them."

It increases their chances of using the supplies if they can choose themselves. Dr. Malkin suggests that you choose a mask featuring a character or design that your child enjoys. This will increase the likelihood that they will keep it on even when you aren't looking.

For children aged 5 or older, masks are required. However, it may be 2 or more. Before you travel, make sure to check the requirements of your airline. Dr. Aranoff recommends that all children over 2 years of age wear a mask in public indoor spaces unless they are physically unable to do so. Children under 2 years old are not recommended to wear masks according to the CDC.

Children need multiple masks, just like adults. So make sure to have a few extras in your backpacks or in your car. Jagdish Khubchandani (PhD), a professor of public Health at New Mexico State University, tells Insider.

At-home COVID-19 Test

To enter most countries, you must have proof that your COVID test is negative. The CDC recommends that you get one even if you are traveling domestically.

Even if you don't need it, and even if it is not required by your destination, it is wise to have a COVID test before and after you travel to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Dr. Malkin says that if you plan on visiting other people, it is important to have your COVID test done to ensure safety.

The CDC recommends that anyone traveling internationally or domestically should take a COVID (Complete Vaccine Information Test) test at least three days prior to departure. It is important to keep yourself as far from other people as possible and to take another virus test once you have returned home. You should isolate for 10 days if you don't pass a viral test. You should avoid high-risk people for 14 days.

Many towns offer free COVID testing. You can also get a home rapid antigen test, or a more precise molecular test (such as PCR). The tests are not foolproof.

For many at-home tests, you will need to send in a spit tube or a nasal swab to be processed in the lab. Newer molecular and antigen tests are now available online. Some antigen tests can be delivered right to your door in under 15 minutes. You should always follow the instructions and be aware that false negatives can occur.

You can get the certification you need by passing a test that is supervised over video. Make sure to know when your test is scheduled and receive your certification before you fly.

Our team tested all the top at-home COVID test options available in 2021. EmpowerDX Nasal was the most accurate, covered under most insurance, and the cheapest. Results are delivered within two days after the lab receives the sample. Dr. Sanchez recommends the Abbott at home antigen test kit for $150.

Dr. Sanchez suggests that each person brings at least two at-home testing kits to meet international requirements. She adds that you don't want to be delayed or stuck in your return home because of not having prepared.

Hand soap, hand sanitizer and wipes

You can get sick from germs, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi, while traveling. It is crucial to wash your hands after eating and before you rinse them. It's best to wash your hands with soap water and let them sit for 20 seconds before drying them with a towel or paper.

Hand sanitizer is the best alternative, but it's not always feasible. Make sure to always pack at least 60% alcohol in your bag. Rub it on your hands until it disappears.

Antibacterial hand wipes may not be the best option as they can contain toxic chemicals that could increase antibiotic resistance. In a pinch they can be a good alternative to unclean hands. Dr. Malkin reminds us that wipes are designed for objects, not skin. To kill viruses, the formula must contain at least 60% alcohol.

Disinfectant wipes

It is important to keep high-touch surfaces clean, but you don't need to worry about disinfecting everything you touch. Dr. Sanchez said that you are unlikely to contract COVID from touching infected surfaces. This is especially true for driving. You don't need to clean your steering wheel or car handles.

However, germs can be transmitted to planes by high-touch surfaces such as tray tables, armrests, and in-flight entertainment screens. It is a good idea to clean the area around your seat with disinfectant wipes.

Make sure you clean your phone as well. You might be surprised at how dirty it is. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean it. Use it only with clean hands. Be careful, some cleaners can damage your screen.

Storage bags

Carry-on storage is important for easy access to hand sanitizer, and other essentials when flying. Your carry-on bag should have multiple pockets to keep food and other items separate from dirty ones. These essentials can be kept in a small pouch that you can attach to your bag. We like the durable pouches with zippers by Baboon to Moon.

You should also have a few plastic bags to store dirty masks until you find a place to dispose of them. One bag is good for both your car and your carry-on.

Dr. Sanchez recommends that you have a clean bag to store your mask in when you remove it to clean away any dirt or other people's breath. To reduce germ contamination, avoid placing your mask on a table or under your arm.

What to do at home

Gloves

Traveling doesn't require you to take gloves. COVID-19 can be transmitted through breathing and not touching skin. Dr. Malkin states that germs can still live on the skin's surface, just like skin. Gloves can also make people feel too relaxed. He adds that they don't realize they are more at risk of spreading germs because they touch multiple personal items.

Research has shown that gloves-wearing people tend to not wash their hands as frequently or notice when the gloves become dirty or damaged. Also, it's easy to infect your hands by removing gloves. We don't have to produce any additional COVID-19 waste.

Face shields

What is the importance of face shields? Dr. Sanchez states that face shields are not recommended as a replacement for well-fitting masks because we don't have any data supporting their use in protecting people from COVID-19.

She said that although there were no negatives to having a face shield in your travel safety kit, they are not an alternative to face masks. While they might offer protection from someone getting sneezed at, they do not protect you or others from any viruses that may be in your system.

Dr. Sanchez states that driving is safer than flying commercially if you have to travel. Driving gives you control over who you share the car with, how you stop, and when you return.

She adds that if you are fully vaccinated, and wear a mask, it is generally safe to fly using a COVID-19 transmission standpoint.

Keep in mind that coronavirus transmission is more likely when you are in close proximity of an infected person. This is especially true if masks are not worn properly or not being worn at all. Airport lines can be a problem, but sitting on a plane is much more dangerous than driving with someone not in your household. High risk is taking a seat indoors, since people are forced to take off their masks.

It doesn't matter what mode of transport you use, it is important to take precautions.

Keep in mind that COVID spreads by people talking and breathing, not touching surfaces. You don't have to clean your steering wheel if you are driving. It can be a comforting thing to wash your hands after eating and when you go to the bathroom.

Look for restaurants that require staff to wear masks. If you aren't actively eating or drinking, keep your mask on and eat outside or in your car.

For bathroom breaks, use public toilets. It is illegal to pull over on the roadside for a bathroom break. Close the lid of any toilet to flush. There is evidence that coronavirus can be spread through flushing.

Dr. Sanchez says that public restrooms may not be properly disinfected, and that surfaces could contain other germs than COVID. After washing your hands with soap, water and water for at most 20 seconds, use a towel to dry them. Turn off the tap and open your door. Use your 60% plus alcohol hand sanitizer if you touch anything while on your way out.

Because of their close proximity to others, airports can be dangerous, especially when there are long lines at security and boarding gates. You should always wear your mask and keep away from other people as possible.

To avoid spreading germs onto your hands, the TSA will ask you to lower your mask when you are asked by the TSA. Not only to avoid the coronavirus but also to protect your skin from other germs, it's a good idea to wash or sanitize your hands after touching security trays.

Airlines have increased the disinfecting of their planes. Many airlines use electrostatic foggers every night, sometimes between flights. The electrostatic charge sticks to any surface, not just the floor, when they spray disinfectant in a fine mist throughout the plane.

Although COVID can't be transmitted by touching, it's important to ensure that your flight is clean and disinfected. It is possible for planes to be filthy. You should still wipe down your seats with Clorox Ultra Clean Disinfecting wipes. Many airlines also offer disinfecting wipes upon arrival.

You can bring your own cleaning wipes, as long as it contains at least 60% alcohol and "disinfecting". This will help get rid of the Coke residue from your tray table, but not kill any bacteria or viruses. You can now settle into your seat and clean everything that you touch in order to control the entertainment system.

Next, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. The TSA raised the limit on the size of sanitizer to 12 ounces during the pandemic. You can bring one bottle to carry-on, but only until further notice. International flights may be subject to the 3-ounce limit.

Although you might be concerned about spending hours in enclosed spaces, the air in planes is much cleaner than indoors. Mandatory mask policies by airlines help to protect passengers from any virus particles. The risk of contracting COVID-19 while on board a plane was 0.1% according to a peer-reviewed and real-world study that was published September 20, 2021. This is due to planes' hospital-grade air filter systems and mask policies.

The cabin air is refreshed every three to four minutes when a plane cruises. This includes fresh air from the outside as well as air that has been through HEPA filters, which remove almost all viruses.

If you are going to be eating or drinking on an airplane, wait until the passengers around you have removed their masks before you remove yours.

Avoid moving around the plane. You can also keep your luggage, such as your wrestling gear, in the overhead bin. Be sure to close the lid of the toilet before using the bathroom. After drying your hands and washing them for 20 seconds, you can unlock the door with a paper towel. As you go back to your seat, avoid touching the headrests. This is to protect your hands (headrests can be among the most dirty surfaces in an airplane cabin), and to ensure that you don't disturb others.

It's smart not to crowd the baggage carousel after your flight. Wait until there is enough space before you grab your bag.

Also, you should check the COVID-19 rules applicable to arriving passengers at your destination. Some countries require that everyone arriving in a country has a negative COVID-19 test.

We conducted extensive research on leading health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) for this article. The following experts were also interviewed:

• Joyce Sanchez MD is the medical director of both the Travel Health Clinic at Froedtert, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
• Dr. Dr. Abe Malkin, MD. MBA, founder and medical director at Concierge MD LA
• Jagdish Khhubchandani , PhD is a professor in public health at New Mexico State University

Before publication, Dr. David Aronoff MD, director of Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Division of Infectious Diseases, reviewed the piece for accuracy.