Health for the holidays begins with prevention

It appears the “new normal” of trying to avoid respiratory illness will continue into the new year as COVID-19, influenza, RSV and strep throat attempt to take the happy out of our holidays.

“We spent the last two and a half years learning a lot about how germs spread and about how we can gather and travel safely,” said Allison Zandarski, Beacon Health System Infection Preventionist. “It’s always good to remember what we can do to prevent illness and still celebrate the holidays as respiratory viruses increase.”

The number one thing you can do is to stay up-to-date on your flu and COVID vaccines, Zandarski said. This not only protects you but also protects those considered to be at high risk for severe illness such as the elderly and the immunocompromised.

Other recommended ways to gather and travel safely include:

• Stay away from crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
• Be sure to wash your hands often both in public and private.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and use it.
• If large crowds and confined spaces are unavoidable, wear your mask.
• Encourage everyone to take a COVID test before gathering.
• As disappointing as it is, stay home if you are sick.

Zandarski also recommends watching for one more illness-causing culprit: food poisoning. The CDC estimates 1 in 6 Americans contract a foodborne illness each year, with seasonal gatherings being a prime time for infection.

“Food is an important part of the holidays that we all get excited about, so meals should always be prepared safely,” said Zandarksi.

To prevent food poisoning:

• Clean cooking and preparation surfaces after each use.
• Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs from other foods.
• Cook foods to the right temperature.
• Chill all leftovers promptly after mealtime.

Following safety and health guidelines will both reduce chances of illness and make for a much more festive celebration.

“We should enjoy the time we get to spend with our loved ones, as we’ve lost a couple years of that,” Zandarski said. “Have a happy holiday season but be sure to think and plan wisely.”

You might also be interested in:

• Is it the flu, a cold, RSV or COVID?
• Strep Throat
• Food poisoning: How long can you safely keep leftovers?