Connect
← Return to Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19
Discussion
Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19
Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 | Last Active: Aug 28, 2022 | Replies (163)Comment receiving replies
Hello, my father and I are scheduled to come to Mayo Rochester in March and then rescheduled to July 5-11 because of Covid. The visit is for my father and his chronic leg pain - he is 65 and has Stage 3 chronic kidney disease and high blood pressure, but otherwise healthy. We are from Texas, and given the increase in cases in our area, I am highly concerned about us traveling (by plane on American Airlines) to Rochester. His PCP and Kidney Specialist say all should be fine with precautions being taken.
I am not worried about our actual visit at Mayo due to the amazing feedback I have read on this forum, but have apprehensions about the flight. It seems most that posted on this forum have driven, but that's not an option for us. I'm not sure what feedback I'm looking for (ha!), but any is appreciated. Should we postpone again given the flight, are there opportunities for remote evaluation until we do ultimately make a plan to drive or go once Covid cases trend down? Thanks for any help and feedback!
Replies to "Hello, my father and I are scheduled to come to Mayo Rochester in March and then..."
I also will be at Mayo the week after the 4th of July. I am flying from Michigan on the 4th, the only time I could get a flight. I have to take a shuttle from Minneapolis on Sunday. Not concerned about the Mayo visit, just the process of getting through the airport, plane etc. Delta has messed with my plane connection a couple of times, thus my need to stay overnight in Minneapolis and get a shuttle on Sunday. Be glad when I make my way to hotel in Rochester!
Hi @vap91179, I agree with @danab and @lilypaws, travelling now might be better than later in the fall when you may also have to deal with flu season and increased use of air travel by others. Mayo Clinic provides this information about safe air travel. Also see the links to additional information by CDC and TSA included on the page.
- Coronavirus travel advice https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-safe-travel-advice/art-20486965
I also invite you to follow these groups related to your father's condition:
- Kidney & Bladder https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/kidney-conditions/
- Heart & Blood Health https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/heart-blood-vessel-conditions/
If possible, I would opt for an airline that more strictly adheres to distancing guidelines as much as they can. American Airlines is now filling all seats on their planes, while Delta continues to keep spacing. Also, of course, masks, gloves, sanitize and bring whatever you need on the plane yourself. Just my ideas. I just got home from Rochester. We stayed at the Hilton, Mayo area, and it was wonderful. Couldn’t have asked for more!
Connect
@vap91179 We have been to Mayo about 5 times, since the Covid 19 you do have to wear a mask and you have your temperture taken. We drove since we are only 31/2 hours away, but it is hard on my back, which I had surgery 3 weeks ago We go see the surgeon next Tuesday.
My niece flew from Denver to Des Moines and had no problems. They seated everyone apart and of course she wore her mask. I also heard to turn your air all the way on. I hope this helps. Mayo is wonderful with great doctors.