Quick answer: If you get sick right before or during holiday travel, the safest choice is usually to delay the trip if you have a fever, are vomiting, or have a contagious illness like the flu, COVID or strep. If you’re visiting Alexandria or Caroline County and get sick or hurt while you’re here, you don’t need to be a regular patient to be seen. PACS Urgent Care welcomes walk-ins, including out-of-town visitors, 7 days a week.

The holidays are peak season for both travel and colds, flu and stomach bugs. Here’s how to decide whether to travel, how to stay healthy on the road, and where to get care if you need it.

Should you travel if you’re sick?

Consider postponing your trip if you have:

  • A fever in the last 24 hours
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • A new diagnosis of flu, COVID or strep, and haven’t met the guidelines for going back to normal activities
  • Trouble breathing, or symptoms that are getting worse

Traveling while contagious puts the people you’re visiting at risk, especially grandparents, babies and anyone with a chronic illness. Not sure how long you’re contagious? See how long to stay home with the flu.

Flying with a cold or ear congestion

Flying with a stuffy nose can cause painful ear pressure during takeoff and landing. To help:

  • Use a decongestant nasal spray about 30 minutes before descent, if it’s safe for you
  • Swallow, yawn or chew gum during takeoff and landing
  • Give babies a bottle, breast or pacifier during descent

If you have a painful ear infection or severe sinus pressure, get checked before you fly. See pink eye and ear infections and sinus infections.

Tips to stay healthy while traveling

  • Get your flu shot at least 2 weeks before your trip
  • Wash your hands often, and carry hand sanitizer
  • Stay hydrated, especially on flights
  • Get up and walk every 1 to 2 hours on long drives or flights to lower the risk of blood clots
  • Pack a travel health kit: pain and fever reducer, any prescription medicines (in your carry-on), bandages, a thermometer and your insurance card
  • Be careful with holiday food. See food poisoning vs. stomach flu.

Visiting Alexandria or Ruther Glen and got sick? We can help

Whether you’re visiting family in Alexandria, passing through on I-95 near Carmel Church, or in town for the holidays, PACS Urgent Care can see you without an appointment. We treat colds, flu, sore throats, ear infections, stomach bugs, minor injuries and more, with X-ray and lab testing on site.

  • Bring: a photo ID, your insurance card, and a list of your medicines
  • Out-of-state insurance? Many plans cover urgent care away from home. Check our accepted insurance, or use our upfront self-pay pricing.
  • Need a prescription? We can send it to a pharmacy near where you’re staying.

Learn more in our guide to urgent care for visitors in Alexandria.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to urgent care in another state?

Yes. You don’t need to be a local resident or an established patient to visit urgent care. Check with your insurance about out-of-network coverage.

Is PACS open on holidays?

Holiday hours can change. Check our holiday hours page before you come in.

Can I get a note to change my flight?

If you’re too sick to travel, your provider can give you a note documenting your visit. Check with your airline about its policy.

Should I fly with the flu?

It’s best not to. Wait until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without medicine and your symptoms are improving.

Where can I learn more?

See travel health tips from the CDC Travelers’ Health site.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

Walk in or check in online at our Alexandria urgent care (3481 N Beauregard St, open 7 days, 8 AM to 8 PM) or our Ruther Glen urgent care (17067 Merchants Dr, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM). Prefer not to leave where you’re staying? Try a telemedicine visit.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician.