Holiday Tips

Seasonal Advice from UMMC Experts

Cold and Flu Prevention

For many people, the holidays are a time for enjoyment and celebration with family and friends. Unfortunately, they are also a common time of year for respiratory virus infections. The tips on this page offer suggestions to help you and your family stay healthy over the holiday season.

General Prevention
Tips Provided by Kerri Thom, M.D., M.S.

Wash your hands frequently. Hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to avoid infections and stay healthy. Wash your hands with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Get vaccinated. If you have not already been vaccinated against the flu now is the time. Getting vaccinated is the single best way to prevent influenza infection. While you are at it, check to make sure you are up to date on all your immunizations.
If you do get sick, stay home. No one wants to miss out on the festivities of the season; however, if you are sick it is important that you stay home and limit contact with others. Staying home not only provides you with the rest you need to recover, but it also limits the spread of germs to others.

See Complete List of Tips from Dr. Thom

Minimize Infection Exposure
Tips Provided by Niharika Khanna, M.D.

To minimize your chances of catching seasonal colds, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated and warm.
Try to wash your hands with soap and water when you use the bathroom, shake hands or hug people who may be sick with a cold, and after you use public transportation such as a bus or train.
If you must care for or have contact with a sick person, wear a facemask.

See Complete List of Tips from Dr. Khanna

Proper Food Preparation
Tips Provided by Michael Donnenberg, M.D.

Make sure that uncooked meat, poultry, seafood and surfaces, plates, cutting boards and utensils that have been in contact with them do not contiminate food that is already cooked or is eaten raw.
Cook all food to recommended temperatures.
Refrigerate perishable items promptly.

Party Time Prevention
Tip Provided by Neil Siegel, M.D.

Keep the hand sanitizer handy! Gathering lots of friends and family at holiday parties leads to lots of hugs and kisses, so remember to use warm water and soap or sanitizer before eating and drinking. Carry a small bottle of sanitizer with you if you're traveling by plane, train, or automobile for the holidays. And don't forget to scrub after fighting the crowds at the shopping mall.

See Complete List of Tips from Dr. Siegel

This page was last updated on: November 18, 2010.