The holiday season is here, bringing joy, celebrations, and cherished times with loved ones. There is no greater gift or what to be thankful for than prioritizing your health and the well-being of your family. As temperatures drop and people gather indoors, travel, and share meals, the risk of illness rises. Respiratory viruses such as the seasonal flu, mycoplasma pneumonia, (commonly known as walking pneumonia), and COVID-19 have already seen an uptick in recent weeks with trends indicating further increase during the winter months. In addition, gatherings centered on food can lead to increases in food borne illness including norovirus, e-coli, and salmonella. This year, we also are monitoring new emerging infectious diseases such as avian influenza (H5N1). To stay healthy this holiday season, consider these protective measures for you and your family:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Carry hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) for when soap is not available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Try to avoid sharing food utensils used by others, especially found in restaurant buffets.
- Be mindful of food temperature of items and any product recalls when preparing meals or consuming.
2. Stay Updated on Vaccinations
- Ensure flu shots and other necessary vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 boosters) are up to date.
- Encourage family members, especially children and older adults, to do the same.
3. Maintain Healthy Habits
- Get adequate sleep (7–9 hours for adults).
- Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Stay active by incorporating moderate exercise, like walking or yoga, into your routine.
4. Be Mindful of Crowds and Travel
- Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, especially if you are immunocompromised or going to be around vulnerable family members.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals and stay home if you feel unwell.
- Encourage friends and family to prioritize everyone’s health by staying home if they are feeling unwell.
- Sanitize frequently touched items like phones, keys, and luggage handles after traveling.
5. Manage Stress and Mental Health
- Plan ahead to reduce holiday stress and prioritize self-care.
- Schedule downtime to relax and recharge amidst holiday activities.
- Stay connected with loved ones through calls or video chats if you cannot meet in person.
- By incorporating these precautions, you can enjoy the holiday season while reducing the risk of illness or accidents.
Jeff Bokser serves as Vice President of Healthcare Programs at Hagerty Consulting and brings extensive expertise in public health, healthcare operations, finance, organizational resiliency, emergency preparedness and recovery. With over 20 years of leadership experience at New York-Presbyterian and Yale New Haven Health, he has a proven track record in strengthening healthcare systems and navigating complex challenges.