The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness and sharing delicious traditions, like red chile and tamales. But as we gather and celebrate with loved ones, it’s also important to protect each other from respiratory illnesses like the flu, RSV and COVID.
With a few simple steps, you can help ensure everyone stays healthy and happy this holiday season.
Tip 1: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Getting vaccinated is the first line of defense against severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccines for flu, COVID, and RSV. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the risk of severe illness and help protect those who are most vulnerable, such as young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Plan ahead to ensure everyone is up to date with their vaccinations before holiday gatherings.
Find more information on vaccines here: COVID Vaccines, Flu Vaccines, and RSV Vaccines.
Tip 2: Know When to Stay Home
Knowing when to stay home can prevent the spread of illness to friends and family. Respiratory illnesses like COVID, the flu and RSV can spread even before symptoms appear. Be mindful of any exposures to respiratory illnesses, and use these helpful guidelines to avoid exposing others:
- COVID: Contagious one-two days before symptoms appear and up to eight-10 days after.
- Flu: Most contagious one day before symptoms and during the first three days of illness, lasting up to five to seven days.
- RSV: Contagious one to two days before symptoms, typically for three to eight days, though some can spread it for up to four weeks.
Stay home until:
- You are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Your symptoms have significantly improved.
Even after recovery, consider wearing a mask for five more days when in crowded public spaces or around high-risk individuals. Masks are especially useful in reducing transmission during large gatherings.
Tip 3: Build Healthy Habits
In addition to vaccinations and staying home when sick, you can boost your health and immunity with a few proactive steps:
- Mask up in crowded public spaces. Wearing a mask can help protect you and others, particularly in airports, shopping centers and other busy, unventilated holiday spots.
- Eat immune-boosting foods. Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like citrus fruits, leafy greens, garlic, and red or green chile to support your immune system.
- Stay active. ‘Tis the season for coziness and rest, but it’s also important to prioritize moving our bodies – even with something simple, like taking a walk or doing at-home yoga. Regular physical activity helps boost immunity, reduce stress, and maintain energy levels during the busy holiday season.
- Improve ventilation. Open windows, use air purifiers, or gather outside when possible to reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.
- Normalize testing before gathering. Because respiratory illness can be contagious before symptoms even appear, testing is a great way to ensure healthy gatherings. Free COVID tests are available here, up to four tests per household. You may also be eligible for free tests through your health insurance plan, check your eligibility here.
- Be sure to check this FDA website for extended expiration dates!
Tip 4: Spread the Joy of Keeping the Holidays Happy & Healthy
Taking these steps to keep everyone safe while enjoying your holiday traditions is a great start. You can have an even stronger impact by sharing these tips with family and friends before gatherings to ensure everyone is on the same page. And don’t forget to savor your favorite dishes—especially those with immune-boosting red chile, green chile and, of course, Christmas!
By staying mindful and proactive, you can focus on what matters most this holiday season: sharing joy, traditions and delicious food with the ones you love.