Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It emerged as a serious global health threat in late 2019 and still contributes to ongoing mortality in most countries. More than 15,000 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in Australia in 2022. This is 11 times the annual road toll.
Most people, particularly those under 70 years old, will experience a mild to moderate upper respiratory tract illness and recover without hospitalisation. In the early stages of the pandemic, before vaccination was available, many more people were hospitalised with serious disease. This percentage has decreased considerably with high rates of vaccination and changing viral strains.
The risk of serious disease rests mostly with older people and those with underlying health issues, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease and immune suppression. For any individual, however, infectious disease can have unpredictable outcomes. Young people still die from COVID-19 as they do from influenza.
Travellers are at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19. The density of people is generally more than at home and travellers must negotiate congested airports and commuter transport. Many will undertake high exposure activities such cruising and train or bus travel.
It makes sense to do everything possible to reduce your risk of exposure during travel as well as minimising your risk of serious disease through vaccination. During the early phase of the vaccine roll out there was much focus on a “course” of vaccinations. Provided you have had at least 2 initial doses, it is now believed that the timing of your most recent dose rather than the number of doses has the best predictive value for protection. This is especially important for older travellers (over 65 years) in whom the immune response may not be good to either the vaccine or the disease. COVID 19 has a very short incubation period and existing antibodies are very important in reducing the likelihood of serious disease. Recent immunisation may be a good way to stay “asymptomatic” when travelling. You will not be welcome at a social event if you have a hacking cough, congestion and fever.
An understanding of respiratory tract illness is important. We know the virus can spread from an infected person as droplets or aerosol when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. Keeping a safe distance and wearing a mask in high-risk situations are ways of reducing exposure. Consider others if you have respiratory tract symptoms. These rules apply to all “colds and flu’s” and not just COVID.
Be aware that many countries required COVID-19 vaccination for entry during the pandemic. Most requirements have been wound back but it is still sensible for travellers to check their proposed itinerary for requirements.
COVID-19 is still a health issue globally. It hasn’t gone away despite a reduction in government focus.
COVID-19 is a notifiable disease in Australia. More than 450,000 cases have been notified in the past 12 months (to May 26th, 2024). This is much more than seasonal influenza. It is highly likely many cases are not tested.
