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A few days ago, Nancy has published a post on how she has decided to cancel an upcoming stay in a resort with an indoor water park. The logic was sound, and I would have done the same thing. She wasn’t even trying to persuade anyone, she was simply laying out her thought process. That’s kind of what blogging is all about, right?
The comments that followed really surprised me. Most folks were inexplicably mocking her decision. Now, to be sure, as someone who has been blogging for a looong time, I know first-hand that comments don’t always reflect the opinion of the majority. Most people simply read a post and move on. But still, the hostility was somewhat surprising. Keep in mind, Nancy just went on a Disney cruise out of Florida a few months ago. So, clearly, she is comfortable with certain amount of risk.
I’ve said many times that I am not here to provide health advice. By the same token, I don’t shy away from mentioning that we are all vaccinated, as well as describing how my family is taking precautions due to pandemic. We are all trying to navigate this new normal to the best of our ability. I think the answer on whether to do or not to do certain activities is nuanced and depends on personal circumstances.
That being said, can we all agree that staying at a busy indoor resort over Christmas vacation is perhaps not the smartest thing to do with a virus strain as contagious as measles? This isn’t rocket science. Plus, what’s the harm in putting it off until this particular Covid wave subsides? And it will eventually subside.
We are getting close to one million dead in this country alone. This is NOT normal, folks. Let me briefly share some of my family’s experiences. My husband’s cousin (unvaccinated) got sick with Covid a few months ago. It put him in a hospital and destroyed his lungs. The doctor said the damage is permanent. He is no longer able to work, and can only walk a few feet at a time. He is 40 years old.
My sister had a mild case of Covid last November. She mostly recovered, but still hasn’t regained her sense of smell. She also gets constant headaches and brain fog. Those are just two examples. I’m not even mentioning the people I know who died from this thing. In my whole life I’ve never heard of anyone who died because of the flu. Obviously, I know it happens, I just personally haven’t encountered it. So enough with the flu comparisons.
Last year, I have published an interview with one of our readers who suffers from long Covid. I’ve contacted her a few months ago, and I’m sad to say, her condition so far hasn’t improved. Underestimate this pandemic at your own peril.
That being said, this virus isn’t going anywhere. We all have to find ways to minimize the risks, while still maintaining some sense of normalcy.
How I’m making travel (and life) decisions in view of omicron
Before this new wave hit US, I was about to start the process of transferring my son from virtual to brick-and-mortar school. Due to latest developments, I’ve changed my mind. Obviously, we are in a privileged position to do so, and I’m fully aware that it’s not an option for most families.
Nevertheless, I’ve decided that the benefit of his association with other kids isn’t worth the increased risk of exposure to omicron. It doesn’t help that our school district is taking zero precautions. Yes, he is fully vaccinated and should do fine even if infected. But he can bring the virus to my immunocompromised husband and elderly MIL.
That said, my daughter is staying in regular school. Why? She is good about wearing a mask (KN95) and doesn’t eat lunch. But more importantly, we are convinced that regular school is better for her mental and emotional wellbeing. So, even in the same family YMMV
On to travel plans. Next week we are supposed to take the kids to a beach resort in our state of Florida. We are driving there in our own car. I’m not canceling the reservation. Since access to rooms is from outside, I feel we can stay relatively safe. Emphasis on “relatively.” I do plan to bring a small air purifier unit, just in case.
However, I am making a few modifications. Originally, I was ok with us dining outdoors in a restaurant. To be on a safe side, we will order room service instead or get Doordash/UberEats delivery. This isn’t a huge deal and frankly, my children get bored in a restaurant anyway.
I do plan on letting them use a swimming pool with other kids because it’s outdoors where transmission risk is lower. I will talk to them about trying to maintain some distance, though. Originally, I planned on doing some indoor activities, but those have now been scrapped. I never told the kids about them, so they won’t know what they are missing.
I also had plans to take the kids to Disney parks at the beginning of February. It looks almost certain that those will be cancelled. However, I’m going to reschedule my hotel reservation for March in hopes that things will calm down by then. If the infection spread is relatively low, we will go.
Finally, I’ve mentioned that I’m planning to meet my family in Montenegro at the beginning of summer I have no illusions that Covid will be defeated by then. But, if things aren’t crazy, I intend to go.
We will be super careful to mask at all times when indoors, though I realize there is still decent risk of exposure. But, my dad’s health is deteriorating, and this could be my last chance to see him. I’ve also not seen my sister and nephews in almost five years. There is no guarantee that things will be better in the future, as we may have a more dangerous variant by then. Unlike Disney, this trip is essential to me.
So, as you can see, I try to take a nuanced approach to each decision pertaining to Covid pandemic. Am I being 100% safe? Obviously not. I do my best to protect my family and minimize the risks as much a possible. But I realize it may not be enough. Frankly, I’m pretty sure we will all catch thing thing sooner or later. But I would rather it be later when there are more therapeutics to treat it.
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Author: Leana
Leana is the founder of Miles For Family. She enjoys beach vacations and visiting her family in Europe. Originally from Belarus, Leana resides in central Florida with her husband and two children.
Why even post something about medical issues when you are not a medical expert? Just because it is about travel doesn’t mean you need to post your medical advice or your opinions about the medical aspect of traveling.
You correctly stated you are not an expert – leave it at that and don’t write a blog to create division and click bait on purpose. And before you deny it, that’s exactly what you did. Otherwise, not need to post something and then get upset with those that disagree with you.
Because someone somewhere says it’s like the measles does not make them anything like the measles. CRM is right about that. You are automatically accepting the medical opinion of someone you don’t even cite and pass it along like medical expertise. Which it is not.
Enough with the division and fearmongering. You don’t want to travel for your own reasons – medical or otherwise? Fine – keep it to yourself and stick to facts. Otherwise, you motives are completely questionable, and probably wrong.
Of course it’s reasonable to adjust travel plans based on Covid and what’s right for your specific situation. Indoor crowds are a no no for us for now as well. I’m excited that omicron looks like it may be a fairly harmless variant, but I’d rather find that out from studies. And that’s ok that I feel that way, and act on it, based on what works for our family. It’s reasonable. I think vaccination is the right choice for our family. It’s reasonable to ensure each of us is up to date on vaccinations. It’s not just reasonable, I believe it’s responsible as the data indicates we are much less likely to cause a strain on the medical system in our community.
It’s unfortunate that being reasonable and responsible infuriates so many people. But it’s still worth doing because my family and local community are worth it.
P.S. I’d encourage anyone who wants to be informed about the impact of being vaccinated vs unvaccinated to read this helpful overview of what’s happening around the country and world: https://ourworldindata.org/covid-deaths-by-vaccination
@Cheapblackdad I’m so excited to see you are still around, my friend! As usual, I agree with you 100%. It’s sad that the whole topic of vaccination has become so controversial. No, it’s not the silver bullet we all hoped it would be. Plus, some vaccines (like J and J) are clearly inferior. We are so fortunate to have access to MRNA vaccines in this country. I would give anything for my folks in Belarus to get Moderna or Pfizer. But they are stuck with Sputnik V, which apparently protects very little from omicron.
I’m not sure there is a way to change people’s minds at this point. It’s very simple, really. Hospitals are mostly full of unvaccinated people, not those who are injured by the vaccine. So, where is the dilemma?
I’m also cautiously optimistic that omicron is a milder strain. It certainly seems that way, based on the latest data. However, Long Covid is a huge concern, and the reason I’m still taking precautions. Plus, my kids only got two doses of the vaccine, and it looks like you need three for decent protection. It’s tiring and we all want to move on. Unfortunately, virus doesn’t care how we feel about it.
Thanks for this post Leana. You are humble enough to admit that you are not an expert on this but are making decisions, based on your own assessment and risks that you are willing to take for you and for your family. I totally respect that. What I don’t understand are these people who think that they know more than the scientists and vaccine experts. Some are also politicizing this for some reason. Please, everyone, if you’ are not an expert on this, stay in your lane. We don’t need any more misinformation.
On a side note, I am fully vaccinated and my partner and I just came back from a trip to the middle east and north Africa. We knew the risks, especially with Omicron, but took all the precautions necessary to stay safe. This included mandatory testing at every stop, wearing our masks at all times, ordering room service or eating outdoors and avoiding crowds. We just got tested again, 3-5 days upon return, as per CDC recommendation, and still negative. It’s the new normal but if you want to continue traveling, you have to make some adjustments from your old routine.
@John Thanks for your comment. I’m super jealous of your trip! I hope to someday visit Africa. I’m very glad you had a nice time, despite a few minor adjustments. To me, dining inside a restaurant isn’t a major thing. In fact, my husband and I prefer room service or taking food to a park if the weather is nice.
I’m definitely willing to risk potential quarantine in order to meet my parents in Europe. But leisure trips a a different matter. We actually have flights to Costa Rica booked for next summer. When I got them, I was hoping they would do away with testing requirements by then. But it looks unlikely now, which is reasonable. This gives me pause, since my in-laws would have to keep the kids for ten extra days in case me or my husband test positive. That could be a deal breaker, but I have to consider the possibility of the worst case scenario. Like you said, this is the new normal.
You certainly seem to have a reasonable take on things. If I might ask, was your sister vaccinated?
@Christian Ha, I think my husband would disagree with you! 🙂
No, my sister wasn’t vaccinated. She got sick last November, so it wasn’t really an option then. I’m actually trying to convince her to get vaccinated now, though Sputnik V (the only available shot) doesn’t seem to give much protection against omicron. Still, something is better than nothing. She is mostly ok, but I’m concerned about long term ramifications. Apparently, Covid can hide in your brain cells, which is quite scary.
I wasn’t surprised at all by the mocking nature of the comments. The willfully ignorant will always be with us.
@projectx It is unfortunate, but that’s the nature of blogging. I know people are just super frustrated by the ever moving goal posts. It is what it is.
Thanks for sharing Leana, your approach totally makes sense. Hope things will get better!
@Tyler Thank you! I obviously don’t have all the answers, just doing my best to navigate this complex reality. Things will get better.
You are crazy for changing plans and the media is desperate for click bait to keep reporting on this…there is no data that suggests the current variant is any worse than a common cold. The death rates and icu rates have not moved at all. We don’t freak out this much in a bad flu season, so why now? If you know you’re in a high risk group take precautions as you see fit – what’s really making me sick is my life constantly being disrupted by something that is no longer a threat. We haven’t banned cigarettes, alcohol, McDonalds or sugar…people make unhealthy choices every second of the day that lead to major health issues in this country and we do nothing, yet this ridiculous virus that no longer even kills more people a day than opioid overdoses or drunk drivers or gun violence is still making us put all our lives on hold! For what? Oh, because someone may spread it??? Ok so they spread it to someone else who will be fine after a few days of some coughing and a sore throat. They ‘might’ spread it to someone who is high risk – news flash, if you’re high risk, take precautions and responsibility for yourself. We see people take risks with their health all the time and do nothing.
We need to stop this madness cold turkey. Sorry Moderna, no more billions for you. Sorry Facebook, no more captive audience. Sorry politicians, you have to get back to fixing things instead of acting like incompetent parents trying to force us all to stay home in the name of protecting everyone [from nothing]. If you’re still concerned for your own safety, then stay home. If you are concerned, you should have gotten the vaccine which means there is no data that suggests you are at risk of serious illness.
@CRM Hmm, did you actually read my post? The only thing I plan to cancel is our Disney trip in February. And even then, I’m not technically canceling but rescheduling. And no, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to indoor resorts or amusement parks in the middle of a virus wave as contagious as measles. But at no point did I say others should stay home. That’s not my call to make.
I won’t address all the points you made, except one. Last time I checked obesity isn’t contagious.
I appreciate the response…
First, it’s not measles, it’s also not smallpox, it’s also not ebola. My point was that if you get it and have had vaccines, it’s barely a cold. If your concern is that there are contagious things out there, then you should never leave your home. I am willing to take the risk that I catch a cold so I can live my life.
Also, as it has been from the very beginning, COVID is very biased to certain demographics, you we all keep talking about it like everyone should be reacting equally. If you lived in a town with 100 people and only 1 was high risk would you lock down the whole town? No. If it was 2, 3, 4…you tell me me, at point point does it actually makes sense to direct an entire population to act a certain way when you know only a specific percent are at risk?
Second, no obesity is not contagious and I didn’t say it was, but it is the biggest risk factor for serious COVID complications and it leads to way more deaths on a yearly basis and a crushing burden on our healthcare system (with no end in sight) far worse than COVID. So in that statement, my point was we should be focusing our trillions of dollars on solving real problems. Also, the hypocrisy of the whole situation touting everyone’s health and well being as the ultimate goal when there are far more serious issues facing the country that have been around for quite some time that we do basically nothing about.
I just don’t even see why we still have conversation on should you do this or that…we have cause so much more long term damage to the population by perpetuating this. Just one example that makes me especially sad is the children who have lost schooling and social development that they will never get back and will have adverse effects the rest of their lives just so that someone didn’t have a sore throat for a few days. Hurt even more are the underprivileged children that couldn’t afford tutors or have access to good remote learning systems. Just another major strike against them.
@CRM The comparison to measles was made by quite a few experts based on omicron reproduction number. So, I didn’t just pull it out of my hat. And yes, I’m aware that it’s not Ebola. Thank goodness!
I agree, life is full of risks. That’s why I’m personally ok with taking my family to a beachfront resort next week. But I also understand that it’s too risky for others, and I respect that. In our society as a whole, we need to be more respectful.
You make a valid point that school closures can be harmful for children. This is something me and my husband have been wrestling with, since our son needs interaction. Ultimately, we’ve decided to keep him in virtual school through the end of this grade. Not because we are concerned for his health (he is vaccinated), but because he can infect vulnerable people in the family. But it’s a tough one, I admit.
amen! I agree with you whole heartedly my friend! Always appreciate your balance and respect your opinions<3
@Sara Thanks for reading! I appreciate your kind words.
People mock her, because the decision is not on hysteria and fear.
The corporate and government medical establishment has so confused you, and hyped you up on fake ‘the science’ – that you are puppets, doing whatever they want.
It makes us sad to watch you publicly submit over and over to this nonsense.
@Don I’m humble enough to admit that I’m not an expert on everything. I’m decently versed in miles and points, and maybe a few other areas, but that’s about it. That’s why I listen to experts who, unlike me, spent years studying epidemiology. If that makes me a sheep, so be it. Of course, it doesn’t mean they are 100% right all the time, as the science on this virus is evolving.
All the best, and I hope you stay safe.
Please come tell that to my COVID patients.
@mreed911 I know it doesn’t mean much coming from an internet blogger, but thank you for your service to the community!
@Don possibly you can share your qualifications and research in this regard?
Being naturally very skeptical and distrustful myself – and also being aware that I am not a specialist, epidemiologist or scientist, I search for hard DATA. Data is extremely difficult to falsify and can be analyzed…
From Our World in Data (a global research entity NOT associated with any government and financed by donations – like Wikipedia) we find the following:
https://ourworldindata.org/covid-deaths-by-vaccination
The DATA (not some fake science or whatever) shows that you are 4.5 times more likely to die of COVID if you are not vaccinated. And also that people – vaccinated or not – are still dying of COVID…
Bottom line – from my perspective only BASED ON THE ANALYSIS OF THE DATA – you would be moronic not to get vaccinated and that even if vaccinated you need to be cautious
Sad days, indeed! Merry Christmas! Stay safe.
@Russ It’s quite unsettling, for sure. But things will get better. I try to keep in mind that there is only so much that is in my circle of control. Life is full of risks, and there are no guarantees. I hope you and your family stay safe as well!