Traveling for the holidays can be stressful, not just because you are dealing with crowds, parking and getting to your destination without the trials and tribulations of weather, but also because it’s the peak of flu season.
It’s during fall and winter that viruses are swirling everywhere, this includes the flu, Covid-19, and RSV illnesses.
Sitting in a crowded plane, large gatherings and even going to the bustling indoor shopping center for last-minute holiday shopping are all hot spots for spreading viruses. According to Dr. Samuel Herman, internal medicine physician with Hoag Medical Group, there are a number of ways to focus on prevention to help get through the holiday season – as healthy as you can.
“Traveling can put a lot of stress on one’s body and expose you to germs,” said Dr. Herman. “No one wants to get sick while traveling, so it’s important to use all of the tools you can so you can enjoy the holiday season and stay healthy.”
- It’s important to get all of the recommended vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV as soon as you can and before traveling. This gives the best protection against respiratory diseases. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get vaccinated.
- If you do get sick, stay home, and avoid putting others at risk.
- Cover sneezes and coughs when around others to protect them.
- Consider wearing a high-faulty mask while traveling, this can help protect you.
- Handwashing often with soap removes most germs, including respiratory viruses, from your hands. Carry hand sanitizer for those moments when you can’t get to soap and water, it kills 60 percent of germs.
- Make time for good sleep, eating, drinking water and exercise to keep you healthy this holiday season.
