If you have cabin fever due to lockdowns imposed to stem the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus, and want to start traveling again, you are not alone. According to an article published by Travel Market Report, an independent news publication and voice of travel advisors around the world, many Americans feel the same way. The article revealed that in a random survey conducted in August 2024, which consisted of 1,200 individuals age 18 and over, an estimated 42 percent of respondents stated they plan to start traveling within the next six months, up from 31 percent in April 2024.
Most of the individuals surveyed said they plan on traveling by air, which is good news for the airline industry that collectively laid off thousands of workers when the coronavirus pandemic was at its peak earlier this year. That said, things appear to be looking up as both the airline industry and travelers attempt to salvage what remains of the 2024 travel year. Of course, there are a few things that everyone should know before booking their tickets and taking to the friendly skies, especially those on prescription medication.
Airlines Impose New Requirements as Passengers Look to Start Traveling Again
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As air travelers navigate Airports in America and abroad before boarding their flights, they will find that most things are still the same. However, a few things have changed as the world learns to adjust to a “new normal” in air travel. For example, check-in times are about the same, one hour and three hours ahead of departure time for domestic and international flights, respectively. Also, certain items are still not permitted on any aircraft.
As far as new requirements are concerned, several new ones are now in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and will likely remain that way until there is a vaccine. Some of these new requirements, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), include the following:
- Wearing a face mask
- Practicing social distancing
- Handwashing before and after going through security
- Limiting physical contact
Avoiding Uncomfortable Situations While Traveling With Medication
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If you’re thinking about traveling by air as we move closer to the end of 2024 and intend on bringing prescription medication with you on your trip, you are not alone. A recent survey published by the National Institutes of Health, the world’s largest biomedical research agency, revealed that 58 percent of 13,000 surveyed adults report taking one or more medications daily. And many plan on bringing and taking those medications on their travels. It is worth noting that human growth hormones (HGH), which must be kept at a certain temperature, are among some of the ones that travelers take regularly and plan to bring with them on their journey. That said, here are a few tips that can benefit those who have to continue taking HGH or other medications while heading to their final destination:
What Should You Not Do When Traveling?
If you plan on traveling by air with human growth hormones or any other prescription-based medication, one of the things that you want to avoid is arriving at the airport without a valid prescription from a licensed physician as this is a requirement per the TSA. Further, those traveling with growth hormones (GH) medications, specifically, should avoid arriving at the airport without having stored their medication in a fridge the night before.
According to many drug manufacturers, GH medications, such as Norditropin by Novo Nordisk available at hghtherapydoc.com have to be kept at a temperature of 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit before an individual takes them for the first time. After that, they must remain at room temperature, which is about 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit
What Uncomfortable Situations a Traveler Can Face?
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When it comes to traveling with medications, some individuals report feeling uncomfortable taking their medication in public, especially injectables, such as human growth hormones, for example. And this applies to both in the airport terminal and while on the plane. One way to circumvent these uncomfortable feelings, especially among those who have to use an injector pen to administer HGH medication, is to go to one of the bathrooms in the airport. The same applies if you’re already on the plane; you will find a reasonable amount of privacy in the bathroom on the plane. Other uncomfortable situations that travelers can face but are avoidable include the following:
Communication Problems
If you are traveling to an international destination, there is a reasonable chance of encountering a language barrier, especially while going through customs and immigration. As such, it is a good idea to plan accordingly by downloading a language translator app on your smartphone or learning a little bit of the country’s native language.
Health Issues
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It is not uncommon for those who take HGH medications to find themselves struggling with unpleasant psychological symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, for example, if their HGH levels fall too low. Although GH medications can resolve these issues, they might take a while to start working. For this reason, it is a good idea to travel with a friend or family member. Of course, if this is not possible, you should have a phone number of someone that you can call or text who can provide you with emotional support on your journey. The same is true for individuals on other prescription-based medications as well.
Weather surprises
Another way to avoid uncomfortable situations while traveling is to research the average temperature of your travel destination, especially if you are bringing along GH medications that need to be kept at a specific temperature. Plus, if you know what the average temperature is for your destination, you will have a better idea of what kind of clothes to bring with you.
Unknowing the Traditions of Locals
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If you’re going to a foreign destination, whether traveling with medication or not, it would be in your best interest to familiarize yourself with the country’s local customs and traditions. After all, things that might be acceptable in one country might not be in others.
How to Have Fun While Traveling
Whether you’re traveling to see friends and family or for business purposes, your journey should be a fun one. A good way to add an element of fun to air travel is by bringing a good book or some movies that you can watch to keep yourself entertained.
Final Thoughts: How Do You Avoid Uncomfortable Situations?
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All in all, traveling, even amid the global coronavirus pandemic, can still be a pleasurable experience. And following the recommendations detailed in this article can go along way toward ensuring just that. Of course, if you are taking medication, it would be a good idea to also reach out to your physician to address any concerns that you might have relative to air travel and taking your medication as prescribed. You may even want to consider visiting the U.S. Department of State to learn about any travel advisories that might be in place for your travel destination.
