What's safe now? WRAL Data Trackers surveyed doctors about travel, dining out, indoor crowds

It is evident from surging crowds at Raleigh-Durham International Airport that holiday travel has rebounded, but those at crowded gates, on planes and on public transportation are exposing themselves to COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses going around now like the flu and RSV, and risk carrying those viruses to loved ones during a holiday visit.

More than 38,000 people were expected to pass through RDU on Friday alone, and many of them were traveling without masks, some for the first time in years.

WRAL Data Trackers asked doctors at Duke and UNC whether that's safe and what activities they would forego with airborne viruses circulating.

Dr. David Wohl, an infectious disease expert at UNC Hospitals, said, "There's a lot that goes into that formula that you have to use to calculate whether or not you're going to take that risk."

While most doctors surveyed said they’d eat indoors at a restaurant, all commented on the capacity – steering clear if too many seats are full.

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Most also feel safe heading to a movie theater or Carolina Hurricanes game, but every one of the doctors mentioned they’d remain masked.

As for outdoor activities like skating, most said they’d attend as long as there’s social distancing.

"Risk mitigation is acceptable. You are lowering your risk," Wohl said. "See what you're tolerant about but use information and don't be in denial that you know when you're making these decisions."

Wohl said that COVID and flu vaccines play an important role. They add a layer of protection for those traveling to see family and friends during the holiday season.