Don't Ignore it My Friends: COVID Preys on Traveling Divers

One of our intrepid travel reviewers returned in late August from a Galapagos liveaboard trip and wrote:

"Sadly, I came back with an unexpected souvenir: COVID. Six of us tested positive at the end of the trip. I'm now sick as a dog (fever, coughing, achy, very sore throat) and can barely function. The BA.5 variant hit me hard.

"I began the trip fully vaxxed with two boosters. When I tested positive (I brought test kits along), I took a course of FDA-approved Paxlovid (which I also brought; I was prepared). And I still feel crummy. There is no such thing as one hundred percent immunity.

"I felt guilty traveling home knowing I was sick, kept my N95 glued to my face, and looked at all those maskless travelers and marveled. Surely, I was not the only sick person in airports.

"I'm happy to see the new vaccine is coming out. Be sure to get your jab - you do NOT want this!

"Mask up, travelers!"

- VV, August 31, 2022