Healthy holidays: Tips to avoid illness amid travel and gatherings

3 hours ago

Nyana Whitelaw,

JACKSON, Tenn. — As holiday travel surges, so does the risk of catching or spreading respiratory viruses.

With crowded airports, packed family gatherings, and more time indoors, this season is a high risk period for respiratory illness.

“So, as we get together with family and friends and others and continue to breathe, that means we may be inhaling something that may cause us to be ill or exhaling something that may cause others to be ill,” said Dr. Ruth Carrico, family nurse practitioner.

The holiday season sees a surge in flu and RSV cases, and health experts say the most effective way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated.

“Also, remember COVID. That has not gone away,” Dr. Carrico said. “So, we have MRNA and non-MRNA vaccines and also an RSV vaccine for adults.”

Dr. Carrico says populations 65 and up are at a higher risk for severe flu-related complications and COVID.

Also, babies are at a higher risk for serious lung infections caused by RSV.

“If you’re sick, don’t go visit other people. Stay at home and use those extra couple of days to get better,” Dr. Carrico said. “Mom said that if you have a cough or sneeze, let’s do that in a tissue or in the bend of our elbow and not out in the open.”

If you’re traveling, wear a mask and wash your hands often. Also minimize close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing nearby.

“Everyone of us is different and special, so let’s talk with our healthcare team to develop a plan of action that is particular and special for us,” she said.