It’s that time of year again to start reveling in another holiday season with friends and family. You are busy shopping for the perfect gift, pulling out boxes of your favorite decorations and picking up those family pajama sets that your kids love. It’s the holiday season!

While you are consumed with getting everything done in time, the chance of illness is always lurking just out of sight. Infections and other conditions always seem to crop up in yourself or one of your kids at the worst time!

Our AFC Urgent Care Tyvola Road team offers up some helpful tips to boost your family’s immune systems to stay healthier this year.

Are Infections More Common in the Winter?

They sure are! Bacterial and viral infections are present throughout the year, but caseloads spike when we all head indoors and spend more time together in closer proximity. That means you could be in the same room as the common cold, the flu, RSV and strep throat all at once! This is why taking care of your body at this time of year can go a long way toward staying healthy.

Your body needs a healthy diet, exercise and sleep on a daily basis to function normally, but these three things become even more important when you are hoping to avoid getting sick. A healthy diet and regular exercise support a stronger body, and proper sleep bolsters your immune system to help it fight off illness more effectively. Encourage these changes for everyone in your household during the holidays.

Tips for a Healthy 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?

What is the meal or food that you look forward to at this time of year? Whether it is a favorite cookie or your grandmother’s turkey dressing, contracting a foodborne illness is always possible. Undercooked eggs and meat could be harboring dangerous bacteria, and food that is left to sit out for too long also can make you sick.

Be sure everyone is using proper kitchen safety techniques, and eat any perishable food as soon as it is done cooking. Store any leftovers right away and be mindful of the time when setting out food for consumption. If something has been on a table for over two hours, it’s time to toss it out, just to be on the safe side.

Kitchen Safety Measures

• 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 Tyvola Road if you aren’t feeling well.