Trust us — one of the worst things that can happen on your Disney World trip is getting sick.

Of course, if you’re just dealing with something like allergies (and it happens), you can just stock up on meds from one of Disney World’s many gift shops (although it’s always a better idea to bring your allergy meds from home). However, if you end up with something like COVID-19, it could derail your entire trip. Right now, experts are reporting that there’s a surge of COVID happening this summer, and here’s how it could affect your trip to Disney World.

Granted, we are in a much different place when it comes to COVID than we were just several years ago. However, it is still very infectious, meaning it’s still a cause for concern. According to CNN, COVID levels in the U.S. have been rising over the past few weeks in at least 38 states. 

“The virus tends to replicate well and to stay alive in an environment with warm and moist conditions. That fits with what we’re seeing,” said Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, a nonprofit public health organization. “The South and the West are steamy and hot right now.” That means that states like Florida could very well be seeing a surge in cases.

Getting sick on vacation isn’t a lot of fun, so if you want to protect yourself, make sure your COVID vaccination is up to date and consider masking when you’re in places with a lot of people, like airports or inside crowded buildings. You’ll also want to always wash your hands, and when you can’t, use a hand sanitizer.

If you do get sick with COVID while in Disney World, you can protect others by not going out and wearing a mask in public spaces, according to CDC recommendations. You might also want to call guest services at your hotel to let them know what’s going on and have housekeeping paused. The front desk could also help if you need some help in getting medical attention.

An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected this fall that should cover the most recent strain of the virus — those should be available between mid-August and late September. The CDC has recommended that everyone ages six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024–2025 season.

Stay tuned to DFB for more.

Why You’re Getting Sick on Your Disney World Trip

The post Should You Be Worried about COVID Again at Disney World This Summer? first appeared on the disney food blog.