Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
As we approach the holiday season, many of us look forward to celebrating with family and friends. However, the holidays also come with health risks like cold, flu and as we approach the holiday season. To make sure you and your loved ones stay healthy this holiday season, here are some tips to virus-proof your celebrations.
Get Vaccinated
One of the best ways to prevent illness is to get vaccinated. Make sure you and your family are up-to-date on vaccinations like the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine before attending any gatherings.
The flu virus changes every year, so its important to get your annual flu shot even if you got one last year. The as we approach the holiday season flu shot protects against the strains experts believe will be most common this season.
COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against severe illness and death. If you havent gotten your primary series or eligible boosters, try to get vaccinated at least two weeks before an event for the best protection.
Vaccines prime your immune system to fight off viruses and can mean the difference between mild illness or severe outcomes. Protect yourself and loved ones by rolling up your sleeves this holiday season.
Wash Your Hands
Frequent handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses like flu, COVID-19 and common cold.
Make sure to lather your hands with soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Wash hands before handling or eating food, after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, handling garbage, touching animals, and whenever they look dirty.
If soap and water isnt available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Teach kids proper handwashing techniques and set a good example by washing your own hands frequently.
Disinfect Surfaces
Cold and flu viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. Disinfecting kills viruses and helps prevent spreading illnesses.
Clean any surfaces that will be used for food prep or dining before and after gatherings. Use EPA-approved disinfectants effective against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Remember to clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, chairs and bathrooms. Disinfect any shared items like serving utensils between uses.
Providing disinfecting wipes makes it easy for guests to clean surfaces and items before and after they touch or use them.
Improve Air Flow
Improving ventilation can help reduce airborne virus transmission indoors. Here are some tips to get air flowing:
- Open windows to increase fresh air flow if weather permits
- Run HVAC system to bring in outdoor air
- Use HEPA air purifiers to filter air
- Install high-efficiency filters in HVAC systems
- Use exhaust fans to ventilate kitchens and bathrooms
Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces when possible. Outdoor gatherings or partly open air shelters like tents or pavilions are safer options.
Practice Physical Distancing
Crowding together facilitates airborne virus transmission. Maintain some physical distance between yourself and others outside your household where possible.
When planning indoor gatherings, limit attendance to allow adequate space for distancing. Arrange furniture to space people farther apart.
Outdoors is safer than indoors because of better ventilation. If weather permits, hold activities like meals, gift exchanges and games outside.
Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask adds another layer of protection when physical distancing isnt possible.
Stay Home If Sick
If you feel unwell right before a holiday event, it's best to stay home even if you are only experiencing mild symptoms.
Attending gatherings while sick puts everyone else at risk. Viruses can spread for several days before symptoms appear. Dont assume its just a cold and power through.
Let close contacts know you arent feeling well and wont be attending. Rest up and focus on feeling better so you can celebrate when youve recovered.
Get Tested
If you develop symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or flu, get tested right away. This helps you get proper diagnosis and treatment.
Testing also provides warning to others youve been in close contact with. They can then monitor themselves for symptoms, get tested and quarantine as needed to avoid spreading illness.
Home tests for flu and COVID-19 can provide quick results. Otherwise, reach out to your healthcare provider or local testing sites.
Skip Handshakes and Hugs
As tempted as you may be to embrace loved ones this holiday season, it's safest to skip hugs, kisses and handshakes for now. Here are some safer ways to greet guests:
- Wave from a distance
- Nod or bow with palms together
- Bump elbows or feet
- Toast others by raising your glass
Exchanging air kisses by blowing a kiss keeps you safer than actual lip contact. Get creative with non-contact greetings to show your affection from afar!
Avoid Crowded Travel
Public transit, busy airports, packed trains and highways at rush hour all pose viral transmission risks. Here are some tips for safer holiday travel:
- Drive a personal vehicle if possible
- Book off-peak flights when airports are less busy
- Travel at non-peak times to avoid crowds
- Wear a high-quality mask while in transit
- Sanitize hands frequently
Weigh your options and risks when deciding to attend gatherings far away. Virtual celebrations from home are lowest risk if cases are high in a certain area.
Have a Plan if Exposed
Despite best efforts, you may still find yourself exposed to someone with an illness before or during holiday gatherings.
Have a plan for what to do if you become a close contact, like where to get tested, how to quarantine away from others, how to access healthcare and how youll get necessities if sick.
Know exposure and quarantine guidelines in your local area. Keep an emergency kit with medications, masks, hand sanitizer and other supplies.
Planning ahead helps ensure you can follow public health recommendations if exposed and avoid further spread.
Keep Up Preventive Habits
Dont abandon preventive habits youve established during the pandemic just because youre celebrating. Continue with:
- Washing hands frequently
- Coughing/sneezing into elbows
- Cleaning high-touch surfaces often
- Opening windows for ventilation
- Staying home when sick
After the party ends and the decorations come down, sustaining healthy habits protects yourself and others year-round.
Stay Flexible
The pandemic has taught us celebrations don't always go according to plan. Last minute gathering changes or cancellations are still possible.
While disappointing, being open to flexibility and making responsible choices ultimately protects everyone's health and safety.
Have back-up options like virtual gatherings. Emphasize flexibility and understanding with loved ones if difficult decisions need to be made.
With some adaptation and care, we can still find meaningful ways to celebrate together this holiday season while minimizing sickness risk.
The holidays may look different this year, but we can still spread cheer and joy. Follow these tips for a healthier
FAQs
How can I stay healthy during holiday gatherings?
Get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces often, improve ventilation, distance when possible, stay home if sick, get tested if symptomatic, and avoid handshakes, hugs and crowded travel.
What if I'm exposed to someone sick right before a holiday event?
Have a plan for getting tested, quarantining away from others, accessing healthcare and getting necessities. Follow public health recommendations to avoid further spread.
Is it safe to travel for the holidays this year?
Traveling during holidays raises infection risk. Drive instead of flying if possible, choose off-peak travel times, mask up in transit, sanitize hands often and weigh risks if visiting hotspots.
Can celebrations still be meaningful with pandemic changes?
Yes, focus on flexibility, understanding and adapting plans as needed. Emphasize connection over perfection. Virtual gatherings provide lower risk options.
Why still take precautions if I'm vaccinated?
Vaccines reduce but don't eliminate risk. Continuing preventive habits like distancing, masking, hand hygiene and ventilation provides added protection for you and vulnerable loved ones.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment