A Harvard Trained Doctor Gives Suggestions For Safer Travels This Holiday Season

Interview with Nel-Olivia Waga (Contributor) Forbes (Dec. 2020)

The festive holidays are around the corner. The respect for traveling is high. Not only because of the uncertainty in planning due to weekly changing lockdown rules, quarantines and restrictions that differ from region to country but also the fear of catching the virus (and potentially passing it on to others) is in our minds. Taking the risk of a Christmas holiday with our loved ones to escape the (un)real world we are facing this year or staying safe and sound at home? That’s the question of the season.

I spoke with Harvard trained Doctor Anna Erat (MD/PhD) in Zurich, Switzerland and received her suggestions on how to travel as safe as possible, this holiday season.
“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 is to stay at home and postpone travel.” she says. “However, avoiding travel is not possible for everyone particularly during the upcoming holiday season.”

“Apart from contacting your local or state health department to inform yourself about local quarantine requirements, travel restrictions and testing, there are five points that I would like to address when travelling during COVID-19:

Boost your immune system before and during travel

Clearly you should not travel if you or your travel companions are sick. For a healthy immune system during the dark winter months, your vitamin D levels should be sufficient. You might want to supplement vitamin C and Zink as well. The intake of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables are a must (5 a day rule). Sleep at least 7-8 hours every night. Depending on the region you are traveling to, but try to keep yourself warm. Particularly also in warm and southern destinations, watch out for the air conditioning. Always have a scarf on you to avoid catching a cold that could weaken your immune system.

Stack up on supplies update your vaccinations

Stack up on masks and disinfectants. Visit your GP (general practitioner) and assure that chronic diseases are optimally treated before departure and update your immunizations including the flu vaccination. For higher risk groups the COVID-19 vaccination will be available soon. Make sure that you bring along a sufficient supply of your medications.

Fly safely and comfortably

Check that your travel and health insurances are valid. Move your legs even if only in your seat, stretch and drink enough water, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic drinks/smoking before and during flights. Check with your doctor if you need blood thinners and compression socks during longer flights.

Keep the virus away from you

Wear a face-mask – and make sure you wear it correctly. Try to avoid touching the face and the mask during the travels and keep a distance of at least 6 feet to people around you, if possible. Use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) and wash your hands at least every few hours, especially after you touched something like a door or cutlery at a restaurant. Arrived at the hotel, or the house you are staying in, air your room (which is not the same as turning your AC on full blast). Exchanging the air in your room is key.

Keep your mind and body healthy and balanced

Yoga in the room or TRX are easy options and might be better than going to the busy hotel gym. A towel can make a great yoga mat. Don’t forget your running shoes. Running or even fast walking in fresh air and open spaces will boost your cardiovascular system, your immune system – and your overall well-being.

Bring along your favorite books, pod-casts and music for „me-time“ and relaxation. Get enough sleep, drink lots of water. Minimize alcohol consumption and smoking. Think positive. And finally, don’t forget to keep in touch with your loved ones. Several studies show the importance of social connections on mental wellbeing, especially at times of uncertainty.

Dr. Anna Erat MD/PhD

Hello and welcome on my webpage

I take care of my clients from a holistic point of view, offering personalized and precision medicine. Healthier, Longer Life.

Latest news

  • All
  • Congress & Symposium
  • Epidemiology
  • Health
  • Media
  • Prevention & Longevity
  • Sports Medicine

Natural Support During Menopause: Insights from Peggy Reichelt and Dr. Anna Erat (Interview in German)

The menopause, a natural stage in a woman's life marked by the end of her reproductive capacity due to declining estrogen and progesterone levels. This phase can cause various physical ...

NEXT by University of St. Gallen

People are living longer than ever, a shift in how to plan life, both professional and private is urgently called for. A 100-year-long life may soon be common, yet our ...

Nature Heals: A Renowned Doctor Explains Green Micro-Breaks And Nature’s Importance For Our Health

Interview with Nel-Olivia Waga Contributor. In regards to evolution, our brains have not changed very much since pre-historic times when we were hunters and gatherers out in the wild nature. ...

World Economic Forum in Davos

Apart from resource management - which includes circular economy and sustainable urbanization - we also must protect rural areas, indigenous cultures and biodiversity. The state of nature and health of ...

Vendée Globe around the world

Together with the European Longevity Center and HerzKlinik Hirslanden, I am also a proud medical sponsor of the Swiss sailor in the world renowned Vendée Globe around the world yacht ...

Winter Pentathlon in St. Moritz

Other selected sponsorships include the Winter Pentathlon in St. Moritz that allows passionate athletes of all generations to challenge themselves both physically and mentally through a one of a kind, ...

Monobob championships in St. Moritz

Also in St. Moritz, I am thrilled to support the British and International Monobob championships together with other sponsors. The championships take place once a year in the only remaining ...

Precision Medicine Leads to Better Health

Rethinking the design of prevention and moving from pure "sick care" towards "healthcare" is of utmost priority in the future. Dr. Anna Erat knows how this can be achieved. Interview: ...

Strengthening the Immune System in Autumn – Protection from Colds and Flu

We all know the scenario: As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, many of us start to experience the dreaded cold season. During these months, it becomes evident ...

Mental Strength in Times of Stress and Uncertainty – Learn From F1

Ever wonder how top athletes maintain laser focus and unwavering resilience in high-pressure situations? Learn how Formula 1 drivers harness stress to their advantage and bounce back from setbacks, offering ...

Interview with Dr. Anna Erat on SARS-CoV2 and the Covid-Pandemic

The TCS provides all its members and employees with a competent point of contact for all things related to the coronavirus, through the Covid-Line by TCS MyMed & Hirslanden. With ...

Strong Immune System

The role of a healthy immune system is more important than ever. The current circumstances have led people to question, "How can I boost my immune system?" Building a robust ...

Advancing Women in Sports – Challenges and Future Perspectives in Sports Medicine

Dr. Anna Erat interviewing Dame Inga Beale (rugby), Margot Page (eishockey), and Florence Schelling (eishockey) Dame Inga Beale is a former top rugby player, the former CEO of Lloyds London, ...

Danger of a Tick Bite: The Struggle of Triathlete Irene Gambaro

The tranquility of a summer's day was abruptly shattered for triathlete Irene Gambaro when a seemingly insignificant bite spiraled into a grave health crisis. While ticks may appear harmless, they ...

Women’s Medicine: A Revolutionary Alternative to Mammography

Breast cancer screening has long relied on mammography as the gold standard for early detection. However, innovation in the field of women's health is challenging this status quo. In an ...

Overexercising in Sports – Interview with Chief Physician of the Swiss Ski Team Dr. med. Walter O. Frey

Conversation between Chief Physician of the Swiss Ski Team Dr. med. Walter O. Frey and Dr. med Dr. phil. Anna Erat about the healing effects of sports. How do elite ...

The Crucial Role of Internists in Today’s Complex Healthcare Landscape: A Dialogue with Prof. Dr. Edouard Battegay

In a rapidly evolving healthcare ecosystem where society is graying and multiple comorbidities are on the rise, the role of internists has never been more critical. Professor Dr. med. Edouard ...