Flying, covid and my autoimmune disease

In March 2020, the UK introduced their first COVID-19 restrictions. March marked the 6th month of my Master’s degree programme. I was determined to build a career in the Events industry, starting with my new entry-level Events job. Like most, I was unsure of what to expect in the coming months. I knew at the back of my mind that my student visa expired on 4 January 2021. However, I was not prepared to see my last month in the UK consumed by talks of the risks of flying, covid and my autoimmune disease.

Last year, I shared post-covid travel advice and touched on how our travel behaviour was changing. Tbh I wrote that post somewhat naively. Although I was curious about post-covid travel, it was difficult to imagine travelling at the height of the pandemic. A month before my student visa expired, the number of covid cases were soaring in the UK. It was clear that I was bound to make the transatlantic journey home whilst the pandemic was still in full swing.

Initially, there was a lot of conversation as to whether or not people with autoimmune diseases or on immunosuppressants were at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Before I travelled, I sought advice from my medical team.

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Months before I needed travel meds, I asked my Neurologist if I was at a greater risk of developing covid. On top of having Multiple Sclerosis, I also take DMT (disease-modifying therapy) Tecfidera. It was important that I knew if I was more susceptible to infection. To my surprise but overall relief, he said no.

At the moment, I had the same level of risk of developing covid as the average person. Nevertheless, it’s good to remember that MS is different for everyone. Consult with your medical team on your individual risk of developing covid due to your autoimmune disease and medications.

to prevent a break in your medication whilst travelling, order an additional supply before your trip or ensure that you can top-up your supply at your destination

Planning travel around neuro appointments, meds deliveries, bloods and annual MRIs was one of the biggest adjustments I made to my travel life after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. There is the option of nominating a neurologist at home as my go-to but since I spend most of my year in Scotland, it makes more sense to order my medication from one source.

Along with having an overview of my health and well-being, my medical team’s main priority is to avoid a break in my DMT. I do my bit by letting my MS nurse know when I am planning to travel. Once my dates are confirmed, I inform my nurse and the home delivery service for my meds.

We then work out how much meds I need and the additional supply is sent with my next scheduled delivery. When I organise it properly, this process is effortless and runs smoothly. At the same time, if I was forced to schedule an emergency trip, I am also confident that my medical team is capable of accommodating a last minute request.

keep at least a 2-week supply of medication in your cabin bag in the event you are separated from your checked baggage

For this trip, I only packed a large purse and a wheeled carry-on bag. In general, it’s not a terrible idea to travel light but I encourage you to seriously consider it for covid travel. By travelling with a personal item and a cabin bag, I was more aware of the amount of contact my bags made with other people.

TOP TIP #1: My rolly carry-on also served as an effortless barrier between me and other passengers who neglected to keep a reasonable distance. #2 Travelling light also meant I avoided waiting around in groups for a checked bag and I exited the airport faster.

There is still the chance that the overhead lockers are filled before your group boards and you are asked to check your carry-on. Before covid, I usually joined the back of a boarding queue to allow the bins to fill up from passengers boarding ahead of me. It’s a great way to get your carry-on checked for free albeit it’s a bit of a gamble. If your entire medication supply is in the carry-on the airline staff checked and it ends up missing, as bags do from time to time, you run the risk of separation from your meds.

shortly after starting Tecfidera, I was separated from my entire medication supply in my carry-on bag

By no fault of our own, my best friend and I were unable to board our connecting flight home, meaning we were stuck in London for the night. Our flight was delayed and later canceled due to bad weather. Little did we know, by the time we walked downstairs for our vouchers, our carry-on bags, which were checked at the gate at the airline staff’s request, were secured on the plane for the night.

We received hotel, transportation and food vouchers but when we asked for our bags, the airline staff reported that bag retrieval usually takes a while due to security protocols and the time of night. Also, we were told to plan to arrive at the airport earlier and re-check the bags the following day if we insisted on collecting our bags now.

It sounded like a hassle so we agreed to manage without them. Unfortunately, after we settled in at the hotel, I realised that my entire medication supply was in my carry-on bag secured in the airplane’s cargo hold.

I missed a dose that evening and felt very silly that I forgot about my meds. From then on, I made it a habit to spread out my meds supply. Having a month’s supply on your person is even better but how much you can carry depends on how bulky your meds are and the size of your personal item. Do not remove your meds from their bottle or blister packaging. It’s important for your safety and airport security that you avoid the confusion of unmarked meds in a Ziploc bag.

Some airports suggest that you register with their online form to give the airport staff a better idea of how many passengers are in the terminals. It also gives the airport an opportunity to provide you with their protocol during the pandemic. This is also found on most airports’ websites, apps and Twitter feeds.

For example, on my recent trip from Scotland to the US, all airports required passengers to wear a face mask or covering in the airport and on the airplane except when sitting to eat and drink and when asked by airport staff to lower your mask for ID checks before boarding.

I stick to my meal routine whilst travelling especially when the meds for my autoimmune disease require a meal first

Check out the airport’s website or app to find out which, if any shops, cafes and restaurants are open on the day of your travel. If you’re on a budget, prepare a pack lunch or take advantage of your local supermarket’s meal deal before you fly.

Once you find a nice spot in the terminal to enjoy your airport meal, remember to leave at least 2m between you and other passengers wherever possible and always handle your mask with clean hands. Either wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap or use an antibacterial gel before and after you enjoy your meal and put your mask back on.

Carry an empty cup or flask and fill it at the airport’s water station once you are through security. Having water handy helps you to stay hydrated and to take your medication and/or supplements as scheduled.

Set an alarm, wear a watch or add a clock to your phone’s home screen with your usual time zone to avoid late or missed doses as you travel. Usually, I use the following day at my destination to decide how to manage my meds in a new time zone. Before you make this decision, consult your doctor to avoid a disruption in your medication.

schedule your COVID-19 test within 72 hours of travel and make sure you request the correct covid test

At the moment, many countries require travellers to show digital or printed proof of a negative test result from a test administered within 72 hours of the date of travel–along with a list of country-specific requirements. For the most up-to-date instructions, defer to the advice of the airline and the airports you travel through. On my recent trip from Aberdeen, Scotland to Jacksonville, Florida, I walked with both forms of proof just in case.

research which coronavirus test you need for your travels and learn the difference between the two tests

Know which test you need to fly. There are two different types of covid tests: diagnostic tests and antibody tests, formally described as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and the lateral Flow antigen tests (LFDs). More commonly known as the nose and throat swab test and the antigen/antibody test.

Basically, the swab test is administered by trained staff or self-administered, sent off to a lab and used to tell if you test positive or negative for coronavirus at the time the test was administered. The antigen/antibody test yields results in less than 2 hours and it reveals if a person was previously infected with the coronavirus. Testing positive does not mean that a person is immune or safe from future infection.

After consulting the airlines and airports’ websites, I learnt that the swab test was recommended for travel and I received my test results in less than 24 hours via email and text. Before you fly, check with your travel and test providers to make sure that you take the right test.

On the flight from Aberdeen to London Heathrow, my negative test result was not checked but I still kept it handy. However, once I landed at London Heathrow, I was told by airport staff to head to the check-in desks where my printed covid test result was checked once and then again at the boarding gate. On both occasions, I was asked to lower my mask to check my ID. My test results were not checked at Miami or Jacksonville airports either.

if you can afford to pay in advance or if there is availability on-board, request to sit alone on your flight

Even though you are still surrounded by other passengers, having a row to yourself brings some comfort for post-covid travel and it’s always nice to spread out. If you feel inclined to wipe down your armrest and entertainment screen, airlines like British Airways provide sanitising gel and wipes on their flights for your comfort.

Most airlines aim to seat you in a row by yourself or with a space between you and other passengers for post-covid travel. I was fine to sit anywhere on my shorter flights from Aberdeen to London and Miami to Jacksonville but I wanted to sit alone on my long haul.

I recognise that sitting alone is largely based on availability. When my test results, passport and boarding card were checked at Heathrow, I was asked if I wanted to see where I was sitting. I said yes and at that moment I requested to sit alone. Luckily he accommodated my request and I wasn’t charged a fee. Passengers on-board the plane requested to sit alone after boarding was complete too. If you like, you can pay in advance to choose your seat, try your luck at check-in or on the flight for free.

focusing on flying, covid and my autoimmune disease in my last month was not my first choice but I prepared myself as best as possible

Like most, my grand life plans for 2020 were put on hold or weirdly altered due to the pandemic. I improvised. I knew I was making the transatlantic journey home at some point but I selfishly hoped the pandemic was waning.

Planning ahead and communicating your needs to your medical team are useful practices before you make the trip. These are globally uncertain times. By remaining flexible and well-informed, you take steps to a better travel experience.

In an ideal world, I imagine staying in Scotland and limiting my chance of exposure but that was not possible. Have you had a similar experience where you reluctantly travelled during the pandemic? Generally, do you have any reservation travelling with your autoimmune disease? Comment below and let me know how you manage.

Happy New Year!

Brit xx

thetravellingms covid top tips

• know the signs and symptoms
• wear a well-fitted face mask or face covering on public transportation and indoors for public buildings. this will vary based on your location. defer to your local guidelines.
• wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• sneeze and cough into your elbow
• if you blow your nose, use a tissue rather than a handkerchief and dispose of the tissue
• avoid touching your face when out in public and before you have had the opportunity to wash or sanitise your hands
• keep a safe distance of at least 2m (6ft) from individuals who are ill or seem unwell
• if you are unwell, stay home
• seek medical advice from your local medical institution online or over the phone if you have any unusual symptoms or non-emergency medical concerns
• stay in the know. keep informed by credible news sources and authorities on the subject

for more information:

World Health Organisation (WHO) – International

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – USA

National Health Service (NHS) – UK