Tips for Staying Healthy During the Holidays: Navigating Flu and Cold Season
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, gatherings, and cherished traditions that bring families and friends together. As flu and cold season coincides with these celebrations, it’s important to take steps that help keep everyone healthy and safe. Seniors and those with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to illnesses, so a little preparation can go a long way in making sure everyone enjoys the holidays.
With some thoughtful planning, you can still enjoy time with loved ones while minimizing the risk of illness. Below are a few tips to help you navigate the holidays during flu and cold season.
1. Prioritize Your Health
Before making any holiday plans, ensure that you are safeguarding your own health. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by getting the flu vaccine, which is covered by Medicare. This is an essential step during flu season and can help prevent serious illness. Additionally, practicing good hygiene like frequent handwashing, avoiding touching your face, and staying hydrated can all help boost your immune system.
If you are not feeling well or have symptoms like a cough, fever, or body aches, it’s best to stay home and rest. Protect others by avoiding gatherings if you’re under the weather. Remember, cold and flu symptoms are contagious, so staying isolated will prevent spreading illness to others.
If someone in your household is sick, consider setting up a space where they can rest away from shared areas. Ensure everyone washes their hands frequently, disinfects common surfaces, and avoids close contact with the sick individual until they recover.
2. Traveling Safely
Holiday travel is a common tradition, but if you plan to visit loved ones, consider how you can reduce your exposure to germs. Personal vehicles are the safest mode of transportation since you’ll have more control over your environment. Be sure to bring along hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks for any potential stops.
If you are traveling out of town, check local health advisories for any guidelines related to flu season. Consider bringing along any necessary medications or supplies that could help in case you begin to feel ill while away from home.
3. Hosting Holiday Gatherings at Home
If you are hosting a gathering this holiday season, there are a few things you can do to make your home safer for guests. First, limit the number of people in attendance to reduce the risk of illness spreading, especially if you have vulnerable family members or friends.
Encourage guests to wash their hands upon entering your home, and have hand sanitizer available throughout the house. You might also consider serving individual portions of food rather than having a buffet-style meal to minimize the sharing of utensils and plates. Disposable plates and utensils are also an option to limit contact.
For added safety, try to ventilate your home by opening windows or even hosting part of the gathering outside if weather permits. Fresh air can help reduce the concentration of any germs in the air.
4. Attending Gatherings Outside Your Home
If you're heading to a relative’s or friend’s home for the holidays, it’s okay to ask about what precautions they’re taking to keep everyone safe. This might include asking if anyone attending is feeling unwell or has been in contact with anyone who is sick. Sharing your own health status and recent travel details is also important to ensure open communication and safety for all.
When visiting, continue practicing good hygiene—wash your hands frequently, and try to limit touching surfaces that multiple people may come into contact with. If you’re eating indoors, sitting near a window or in a well-ventilated area can also help reduce your exposure to germs.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the holidays, it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of ourselves and those around us. By taking simple steps to reduce the risk of illness during flu and cold season, we can all enjoy the festivities with peace of mind.
