With all of our favorite holidays right around the corner, it can be so easy to fill your days with shopping, events and making plans to meet up with friends and family to celebrate the season. While you are busy enjoying all that these months have to offer, you also have to be aware that different illnesses are always just lurking out of sight.

A single infection could sweep through your household and cause everyone to become sick in just a few days, which could derail all of your holiday plans!

We don’t want that to happen to your family this year, so our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team offers up some helpful tips below to keep everyone healthy and happy.

Why Do Infections Spread So Fast?

Getting sick can happen at any point throughout the year, but it is much more common during the fall and winter months. Infections can be really contagious, and the closer you are in proximity to other people, the easier they can spread from person to person. That’s why large social gatherings, school classrooms and office environments are the perfect catalysts for an infection outbreak.

Since we can’t completely prevent being exposed to different infections, we can take steps to support our immune systems. Serve healthy meals, encourage regular exercise and movement and prioritize good sleep for everyone in your household. Seven to nine hours of sleep is important for adults every night, and even more is needed for young children. All of this works together to give your body the energy and power it needs to fend off illness.

Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season

• Bundle up when it is cold outside.
• Get your flu vaccine.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Wear your seatbelt while traveling.

What Other Illnesses Are Common During the Holidays?

In addition to viral respiratory infections, foodborne illnesses are also always a possibility over the holidays. All of the food that is served and set out may be delicious, but it could be harboring dangerous bacteria without you knowing.

Be sure any meat or egg dishes are cooked all the way through and serve meals as soon as the food is prepared. Store leftovers properly and wipe down the serving area. If you notice a bowl or dish that was left sitting out for more than two hours, it is best to throw it away. After two hours of the food warming up or cooling down, bacteria can start to grow that could impact your entire guest list.

Safe Kitchen Strategies for the Holidays

• Use designated cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
• Wash hands before handling food.
• Don’t cook for others when you aren’t feeling well.
• Understand specific allergies or dietary restrictions for those attending your party.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway if you aren’t feeling well.