Air travel and relocation

[Kidney2014]

Hi! I’m 6 years post transplant and am considering moving back to my home state once my lease is up. My nephrologist thinks it’s OK to fly on a plane as long as I’m masked at all times. I’m also concerned about having movers in my apartment, but I can open windows and wait in my car. Has anyone traveled on an airplane recently? Or has anyone done an interstate move or relocation during the pandemic? How was your experience?

[agirlwithhope95]

Hi Kidney2014, I have friends who are stewardess and has flown during the pandemic. Travellers will be required to don a mask at all times. Goggles and gloves are at your own discretion, I do see some travellers bringing and wearing them from the airport. Some airlines give wet wipes and gloves for travellers to wipe their seats and wear during the flight. For my country in South-East Asia, travellers will be quarantined at their respective houses alone for 14 days and will have to go through a swab test towards the end of the quarantine period. If the house we're staying in are occupied with other tenants, we will be required to stay in designated quarantine hotels for 14 days, food and sustenance will be supplied but we will have to foot the $2000 bill ourselves. Afterwards, if we are negative Covid, we are free to roam outside and go about as new normal.

As for myself, I am a healthcare worker and do have a kidney condition, igA nephropathy. I come in close contact with positive Covid patients in isolation wards almost daily. Of course, I was wearing the full PPE gear. However, wearing the mask is a basic necessity and very helpful. Also, sanitise everything you touch and throw out anything that is not yours or has come into contact with other people. Say, your movers bringing in your furnitures. It is good to spray down the furniture with sanitizers, wipe clean your items with alcohol/sanitizer wipes. Always wash your hands before and after coming into contact with other people or foreign objects.

You will be well. Stay safe!

[Kidney2014 in reply to agirlwithhope95]

Thank you for your service and for being on the front line helping others!!! I can’t imagine how you deal with it knowing you have a pre-existing condition. I also have IgAN and a kidney transplant, and I haven’t left my apartment for nine months except to pick up groceries. Thank you for the reply; I will certainly double mask and wear gloves and glasses. I take a shower immediately after any time I step out. I always sanitize and wipe everything, but I’m concerned about aerosols. Hoping double masking will help.

[LisaSnow in reply to Kidney2014]

I started double masking when our numbers went up after Thanksgiving. It is helpful. Make sure to bring extra masks with you on the plane so you can get a fresh set periodically during the travel.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Make sure you get either the K-95 masks or the N-95 masks. My nephrologist recommends that I use those. I did get the K-95 masks and they do fit around your face better and do seem to filter the air better than others. I am 21+ years post transplant. My mother-in-law passed away last month from COVID and we were expecting to travel to WI. We wound up doing a virtual funeral.If you are considering moving see if there are any quarantine issues for the state you are moving too. Most, do not have any, but is worthwhile checking.

Take precautions and goo luck to you

[Kidney2014 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you for your reply! And thank you for the advice on types of masks. I am so sorry to hear about your MIL. This pandemic is so hard to navigate and has affected so many directly. My condolences to your family.

[shash8363]

Hi Kidney2014,

I have not flow during the pandemic but I agree with all the recommendations that others have provided. Masks (N-95 ones), googles or visor and gloves. Make sure u wipe the seats and hand rests before sitting. Be careful when using the restrooms.

I did move to a different house in late Aug and used movers. I was very anxious but kept safe distance (pretty much was wither outside or in a different room) and it turned out ok.

Good Luck.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador in reply to shash8363]

My nephrologist had to do some travel by air last month. He said he wore an N-95 mask and a face shield. He said it was a short 2 hour flight. He didn't drink anything on board so he wouldn't need to use the restroom. He said that things weren't that bad on the air plane, but said the airport is the place to worry.

[Sparta300]

I would not fly right now. Take another person rent a van or car and see the US!! Let your movers put the stuff in your new place and get some professional to spray and clean it. When you have had a kidney transplant you cannot be too careful . Good luck .