Spread Joy, not Germs, This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here. That means more time to spend with your family and friends. However, it also can mean more chances to spread germs.

Following healthy habits such as washing our hands often and getting immunized keeps us all safer and healthier, especially during crowded holiday events. Stopping germs before they spread lets the real spirit of the season shine through. 

Dr. Mary Beth Saunders, a board-certified infectious disease physician with Lee Health - Lee Physician Group, offers some tips to help prevent the spread of germs at your next holiday gathering.

Flu vaccine. Get it because it can benefit you, your family, and your community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine to reduce their risk of getting the flu and lessen its symptoms if they get sick. 

“Getting vaccinated against flu can also help protect loved ones, like adults 65 years and older and people living with chronic conditions, both groups of people who are at higher risk of having serious flu complications. Bottom line? Getting an annual flu vaccine is important to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community against the flu.”

Wash your hands often. Developing the healthy habit of hand washing plays a major role in preventing illness and stopping the spread of germs, especially during these key moments:

• Before and after eating food 
• After using the bathroom 
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• After changing a diaper or helping a child use the toilet 
• Before and after treating a cut 
• After handling garbage 
• After touching pet food or animal waste

“If you don’t have visible dirt on your hands, hand sanitizer with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol will kill most germs,” Dr. Saunders says. “However, soap and water are the best choices when available. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds or sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice. Children may need some assistance and reminders to wash their hands thoroughly.”

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Or, if you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Carrying hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% isopropyl alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth, making us sick.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading the flu to others.
• Disinfect and clean surfaces and objects that are often touched.

Make sure your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations that protect against common seasonal illnesses, such as influenza, and other dangerous diseases, such as COVID-19, pneumococcal and respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV).

Talk to your doctor about getting your annual flu shot if you haven’t received one yet. 

Don’t have a primary care physician?  We can help you find one or a specialist whose education, training, and medical interests match your health needs.

Call 239-481-4111 or visit our Primary Care page for more information.