How to avoid getting sick during holidays — Share joy, not germs

'Tis the season for sharing joy, not germs! The highly anticipated Christmas and holiday season has finally arrived! Looking forward to our favorite treats, quality time to catch up with loved ones, and the opportunity to share joy and gifts with others, we also are hoping to have a happy, healthy holiday season. Here are a few tips for how to avoid getting sick and protect yourself from catching a winter illness.

Be sure to get your vaccines

• The influenza vaccine is very important in preventing the spread of the flu virus and minimizing the severity of illness.
• Talk to your healthcare provider and see which vaccines are appropriate for you.
• Ask if either of the pneumonia vaccines (Prevnar or Pneumovax) is appropriate for you.
• Make an informed decision about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot.

Minimize stress

• More stress in your life can lower your immune system and increase your likelihood of becoming ill. Plan ahead. Take time for yourself. Find ways to unwind to avoid getting sick.

Practice hand hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds or more, rubbing hands thoroughly and cleaning beneath fingernails.
• Apply hand sanitizer (more than 60% alcohol-based). Apply a dime-sized amount and rub over both hands until dry.
• Be sure to wash after using the restroom, before and after touching food, after sneezing or coughing, and after touching animals.

Safely prepare your food

• Thoroughly cook meats. Prepare raw meats on separate surfaces than fruits and vegetables to avoid getting sick from food poisoning.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before cooking or eating.
• Properly cover and store leftover food.

Enjoy in moderation

• Holiday meals are known for their delicious, rich flavors and (not-so-healthy) ingredients. This is a time to enjoy the special treats, but be cautious to not overindulge to prevent worsening of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, and hypertension.

Stay active

• Incorporate fun, physical activities such as dancing or playing games into your holiday gatherings to keep your body moving. Being active will help to improve mood, blood pressure, sugar control, and help to balance out our favorite treats! Shoot for activity at least 150 minutes per week.

We wish you a wonderful, healthy holiday season! Remember to share joy rather than germs!

If you have any questions or would like to know more about health or infection prevention, we would be happy to talk with you. One of the ways to prevent the spread of illness is to avoid delaying care. Preventative care and routine visits to your care provider can help catch illness or disease in early stages. If you do not have a health provider, get connected to a Reid Health Primary Care Physician by finding a convenient location near you.