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Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, May 6, 2020

Medical needs don't go dormant and wait for the current pandemic to pass. People still need cancer treatment, heart surgery, diagnostic procedures, joint replacements, lung assessments, wound care and compassionate care. Some medical needs can be met through telemedicine, but certainly not everything.

Compassionate care at Mayo Clinic COVID-19

Postponing nonessential appointments and surgeries in March allowed time to increase Mayo Clinic's COVID-19 testing capabilities. Mayo Clinic hospital and intensive care capacity meets and exceeds the current projected needs for COVID-19 patients, due to a revised, smaller expected COVID-19 peak. With these important favorable developments, Mayo Clinic is ready to safely treat patients whose care was delayed, in adherence with federal and state executive orders and guidance. Mayo is also welcoming new patients, and able to offer more phone and video visits to new and established patients. Read more about the new precautions Mayo added to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

What can you do to stay safe when:

  • Going to the hospital for appointments
  • Traveling to a hospital out of your local area
  • Staying at a hotel
  • Getting food

What are your tips?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

bernese53 | @bernese53 | Sep 25, 2020
In reply to @jolinda "Does the hydrogen peroxide bleach fabrics?" + (show)
@jolinda

Does the hydrogen peroxide bleach fabrics?

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The hydrogen peroxide purchased in stores has a concentration of 3% which can bleach fabrics. Diluting it might reduce its effectiveness in terms of being a disinfectant.

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 25, 2020
In reply to @elizaba "so hydrogen peroxide is a good disinfectant or sanitizer that one could use against this Covid-19?" + (show)
@elizaba

so hydrogen peroxide is a good disinfectant or sanitizer that one could use against this Covid-19?

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Yes, it is a good disinfectant at full strength, but make sure it is FRESH from a new sealed bottle. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down quickly from light or heat or air, so put a little at a time in your spray bottle or use a dark opaque one. It can bleach fabrics, so please don't spray it on upholstery without testing.

Also, fabrics are a very poor host for Covid-19, especially when washed with soap & dried in a hot dryer, so I don't worry much about sanitizing laundered towels and bedding, especially in hotels that seal rooms for a day or two between cleaning and occupancy.

In the past few years I have become a big fan of lodgings that are replacing all room carpets with easy to clean vinyl woodlook flooring - very easy to see if it is clean, and far fewer trapped allergens like dust mites. I also appreciate rooms with windows I can open, always asking for one on the quietest side of the building.
Sue

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Sep 26, 2020
In reply to @ihatediabetes "Yes, I have high cholesterol. Then they did that calculation of chance of heart attack or..." + (show)
@ihatediabetes

Yes, I have high cholesterol. Then they did that calculation of chance of heart attack or stroke in next ten years. That was over 8%. So doctor said that I should be on statin. But I tried statin once and it made my legs hurt. So I didn't want a statin for rest of life. So doc said that I could get a calcium score which indicates plaque. My calcium score was 0 which means no plaque whatsoever which means no atherosclerosis. So that means the chance of heart attack or stroke is actually very low. So I don't need statin. Just because someone has high cholesterol doesn't mean the person has plaque. So I came to conclusion that you can't just put someone on a statin based on blood cholesterol. Calcium score is more accurate. I'm in executive health program so I get a doctor that is a thinking and listening doctor. Plus I can get a CT scan for calcium score. But I don't think everyone is getting a calcium score and their docs are putting people like me on statins unnecessarily. That's my opinion.

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@ihatediabetes, Jennifer I read your post with great interest. I had a stroke a few years ago but had been on Lipitor for hi chol. for several yrs before the stroke. I now take Atorvastatin and while my chlor. numbers have stayed in the normal range for some time, I am becoming more concerned about taking the statin and plan to ask my pcp about discontinuing it at my next annual visit. I hadn’t known of a calcium scan and will ask about that also. Thank you for your very imformative post.

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migizii | @migizii | Sep 27, 2020
In reply to @chiczebra "I’m scheduled to be at Mayo Rochester for 2.5 weeks of appointments in November. It’ll be..." + (show)
@chiczebra

I’m scheduled to be at Mayo Rochester for 2.5 weeks of appointments in November. It’ll be my first time and I’m thrilled to be going, but am really worried about the travel. I live in Florida (Mayo Jacksonville doesn’t have the diagnostic facilities and specialists I need) and the drive is 22 hours, which would be very challenging to do. The flight is 5+ hours with one layover (I’d likely fly Delta). I’m not worried about cleanliness at Mayo, but am very worried about the travel itself. If I drive, then there are hotels and rest stops along the way. If I fly, it’s exposure to everyone at the airport and on the plane. I’m young, but high-risk with multiple preexisting conditions, yet my doctors here think it’s even higher risk for me to stay here and not go to Mayo for further diagnostics/treatment. I’ve read all the guidelines about travel, have face masks, shields, gloves, etc. but I’m curious about people with actual firsthand experience doing this over the last couple months. Has anyone made such a long journey during these COVID times? What’s your experience been like? And does anyone have a hotel/apartment near Mayo that’s totally impressed them in terms of COVID precautions? So appreciative of any suggestions!

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In reply to chiczebra: it looks like you’re getting good travel advice....I have gone to Mayo Rochester during covid and am headed there again in early November for a brief appointment (hopefully). Anyway, if you have the money, I would recommend staying at the Hilton Mayo area hotel. They do an outstanding job of making you feel safe and comfortable.

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kegraves | @kegraves | Jul 15, 2022
In reply to @sueinmn "We just made a 1500 mile 3 day trip between our winter and summer homes. To..." + (show)
@sueinmn

We just made a 1500 mile 3 day trip between our winter and summer homes. To say I was anxious beforehand would be an understatement!
Here are some things we did:
- Called and asked about precautions being taken before reserving our hotel rooms.
- Stocked up on masks (reuseable ones), sanitizing wipes (including several in baggies for our pockets-see below) and pet waste bags (for touching gas pumps.)
- Planned our route to allow stops at rest areas (less people than truck stops) when possible.
- Carried all our own food and beverages & disposable tableware for the 3 day trip, including evening meals to warm up in the hotel. Sanitized refrig and microwave before using. We elected not to try takeout because we had no idea what restaurants would be available.
- Used sanitizer wipes thoroughly in all restrooms and hotel rooms and on surfaces we touch in the car after each stop.
- Wore masks in all rest/truck stops, hotels common areas and elevators.
- Showered and washed our hair before going to bed, and changed all outer clothes each day. Washed and dried all masks each evening.
- Used our own pillows and blankets.

Here are some things we observed:
- Most people were not wearing masks, but many tried to maintain distance, especially retail workers and truck drivers, who seemed aware that the extra exposure to people put them at risk.
- Self-serve areas were mainly closed in truck stops and hotels, a single employee poured coffee, bottled drinks were sold, hotel employees gave out brown bag breakfasts of packaged items in lieu of a buffet.
- Hotels had shields at their desk, or set out paperwork a safe distance from the employee, they were busy sanitizing surfaces between customers.
- Less traffic, except trucks.

So, travel is possible, just not very much fun right now. 7 days later, we survived the trip nicely, and are in day 7 of our self-quarantine, feeling just fine, thank you.

Next week, we will both be heading (locally) to rescheduled lab and medical appointments. I am anxiously hoping thumb repair surgery is in my near future, so I'll be waiting to hear about anyone else's experience in clinic/same day surgery.
Sue

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Thank you for sharing your experience of traveling💕

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valpoguy | @valpoguy | Aug 27, 2022

79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4 planes, six airports and numerous shuttles. I was told that contracting COVID during Rochester visit would result in cancellation of appointment to return home. Risk was too great financially and otherwise. Have four shots with fifth, Omicron-specific, soon. Would like to try again for appointment in Rochester Jan/Feb '23. But same travel would be required, doubt that Mayo could just pick up appointment schedule after a quarantine period, and unsure that this booster will be a true prophylactic with no breakthroughs. Have been in the house since Feb/20 with no primary/ortho visits, just dentist. Anyone else facing or have faced the same dilemma and what was the outcome? Looks like trading off one risk for another.

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Aug 27, 2022
In reply to @valpoguy "79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4..." + (show)
@valpoguy

79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4 planes, six airports and numerous shuttles. I was told that contracting COVID during Rochester visit would result in cancellation of appointment to return home. Risk was too great financially and otherwise. Have four shots with fifth, Omicron-specific, soon. Would like to try again for appointment in Rochester Jan/Feb '23. But same travel would be required, doubt that Mayo could just pick up appointment schedule after a quarantine period, and unsure that this booster will be a true prophylactic with no breakthroughs. Have been in the house since Feb/20 with no primary/ortho visits, just dentist. Anyone else facing or have faced the same dilemma and what was the outcome? Looks like trading off one risk for another.

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@valpoguy One of our friends was treated for bile duct cancer with an eventual liver transplant from late to 2019 through 2021. He traveled by plane to and from Mayo. He is doing very well now but I think traveling before we had vaccinations available was very scary.

Why are you going to Mayo Clinic? If it's a more urgent matter then I think it's worth the risk of COVID just as our friend did in 2020 and 2021. I'm sure you know that the risk level seems to change frequently and if we want to go forward with your lives we have to be flexible. What does your local physician say about all of this?

When I had radiation therapy at Mayo in late 2021 I asked what would happen if I contracted COVID while I was there for the 6 weeks of radiation. I was informed that Mayo had a very complete protocol that will still allow me to get my treatments even if I had COVID! I wasn't looking for an excuse to miss radiation. I just wanted to know how carefully I had to quarantine while I was in Rochester. So, many practices at Mayo have thought this through very well.

I hope this helps you to make that risk/benefit ratio decision for yourself.

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Aug 27, 2022
In reply to @valpoguy "79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4..." + (show)
@valpoguy

79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4 planes, six airports and numerous shuttles. I was told that contracting COVID during Rochester visit would result in cancellation of appointment to return home. Risk was too great financially and otherwise. Have four shots with fifth, Omicron-specific, soon. Would like to try again for appointment in Rochester Jan/Feb '23. But same travel would be required, doubt that Mayo could just pick up appointment schedule after a quarantine period, and unsure that this booster will be a true prophylactic with no breakthroughs. Have been in the house since Feb/20 with no primary/ortho visits, just dentist. Anyone else facing or have faced the same dilemma and what was the outcome? Looks like trading off one risk for another.

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@valpoguy Hello and welcome to Connect. I do share your concerns about Covid and public transportation as well. Would you be able to drive to Mayo Clinic or have a friend drive you there? I wouldn't recommend doing that in January and February because winters can be epic in Minnesota, and you need to be prepared with reliable transportation and warm clothing, and be prepared for survival in case of a breakdown.

Catching Covid can get medical appointments canceled. I went through surgery at Mayo on my ankle in 2020 during the pandemic, again last fall, and both times, I had to avoid people so I could stay healthy and pass the Covid tests I would get prior to my scheduled surgeries.

I have been using the N95 masks that I got at the pharmacy whenever I go into a store. I get my shopping done quickly, and have hand sanitizer in my car, although in the heat of summer, I don't leave it my car because of the alcohol content which is flammable. I wash my hands often, and when I return home.

Vaccines do help, but as you know, they do not prevent Covid infections, but can reduce the severity.

Have you contacted your primary care doctor and otho doctor about precautions and their recommendations for your health? You do have to weigh the risks of not seeing your providers and not getting medical check ups done in a timely manner. That could affect your health negatively or something can be missed that is more easily treated early.

How far would you have to travel to get to Mayo? Are some of your needs things that could be addressed locally where you live?

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1 reply
Amanda Burnett | @amandaa | Aug 28, 2022
In reply to @valpoguy "79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4..." + (show)
@valpoguy

79 yo single male canceled July appointment because BA5 was moving west. Trip total of 4 planes, six airports and numerous shuttles. I was told that contracting COVID during Rochester visit would result in cancellation of appointment to return home. Risk was too great financially and otherwise. Have four shots with fifth, Omicron-specific, soon. Would like to try again for appointment in Rochester Jan/Feb '23. But same travel would be required, doubt that Mayo could just pick up appointment schedule after a quarantine period, and unsure that this booster will be a true prophylactic with no breakthroughs. Have been in the house since Feb/20 with no primary/ortho visits, just dentist. Anyone else facing or have faced the same dilemma and what was the outcome? Looks like trading off one risk for another.

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Hi @valpoguy,
I share @jenniferhunter 's welcome and just wanted to let you know I moved your post here so you can connect with the people who had questions about COVID and traveling.

Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-traveling-and-getting-medical-care-safely-during-covid-19/

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1 reply
millerbass | @millerbass | Aug 28, 2022
In reply to @amandaa "Hi @valpoguy, I share @jenniferhunter 's welcome and just wanted to let you know I moved..." + (show)
@amandaa

Hi @valpoguy,
I share @jenniferhunter 's welcome and just wanted to let you know I moved your post here so you can connect with the people who had questions about COVID and traveling.

Tips: Traveling to Mayo to get medical care safely during COVID-19
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-traveling-and-getting-medical-care-safely-during-covid-19/

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Thank you greatly.
He has long haul Covid. Looking for feedback on how can help him recover.

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