With COVID-19 infections rising across the U.S., risk mitigation is essential for anyone planning to travel during the 2020 holiday season. (photo courtesy of Getty)

With Christmas around the corner, many are debating whether they should gather with family and friends as usual.

“There is no easy solution,” said Cedars-Sinai infectious disease specialist Dr. Catherine Le. “When my patients ask me if it’s safe to travel or spend time together with loved ones, I talk to them about risk mitigation and encourage them to find what they consider is an acceptable amount of risk in their lives.”

Risk mitigation, according to Le, is an individual decision based on preparing for, or lessening the effects of, any type of threat. In today’s world, risk mitigation conversations are centered around being exposed to or contracting COVID-19.

“I can never say anything is 100% safe,” Le said. “But what I can do is encourage individuals to reduce their own risk and follow best practices, including avoiding interacting with large numbers of people, frequent hand-washing, wearing a mask, staying socially distanced whenever possible and importantly, getting a flu shot.”

A flu shot not only lessens a person’s likelihood of contracting the flu but helps ensure health care systems do not become overwhelmed with flu and COVID-19 patients at the same time.

“If we have a patient who has both the flu and COVID-19, it could be disastrous on the individual level, but also disastrous for the health care system,” Le said. “If there are more sick patients than hospitals can accommodate, it causes problems for the community in general.”

Le has additional recommendations for those who insist on visiting or hosting relatives and friends.

For those traveling by air, the most important thing to avoid is airport congestion, said Le, who recommends being aware of your surroundings and trying to maintain social distancing whenever possible. She also recommends checking airline policies, as they vary across companies.

“Not all airlines are blocking middle seats, so take the airline’s policy into account before booking,” said Le. “Also, travel with a 70% alcohol-based sanitizer, use sanitizing wipes on your airplane seat and tray table, and wear your mask the entire time.”

The decision to host holiday guests is “a really hard discussion and choice,” Le said.

“Before opening your home, you should do a risk assessment. If anything gives you reason for concern, then consider alternative ideas,” Le said.

Le strongly urges all holiday hosts to follow mandates from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, which prohibits gatherings of more than three households – including hosts and guests.

For more tips and guidelines, visit cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/holiday-travel-tips-from-an-infectious-disease-specialist.