Are you hosting a family gathering this holiday season? What about traveling to see relatives? The holidays are here, HELLO!! Now is the time to plan ahead and take precautions so you can avoid getting COVID-19 or spreading it to loved ones.

You also can’t forget about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the New Year too. Thankfully, we have Rapid testing options for COVID-19 and multiple vaccines options. Whether you host an event or go away for the holidays, you want to consider those around you. There are still people who are not vaccinated, some who cannot due to medical issues,  and if you’re not testing, you’re guessing. 

So, gear up,  because we’re already in the middle of a bumpy ride of back-to-back celebrations. AFC Urgent Care Marlborough has put together a guide on 3 COVID-19 safety precautions you need to take this Christmas season.

Take Travel Precautions As The Airports Fill Up

If you choose to fly, we suggest bringing extra masks, and hand sanitizer with you. There is no airport or airline that will allow you to fly without a mask. You should avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth and make sure that you are washing your hands frequently. 

The CDC highly recommends you get vaccinated to avoid any delays in travel and to check your destination for any additional requirements like testing before you go. If you’re unvaccinated for COVID-19, check your destination before you go. Most countries are still red zoned for having high cases of COVID-19, and with the emergence of yet the newest COVID-19 variant, the Omicron, re-entry into the U.S. can be tricky, depending on the country you’re flying home from. 

The U.S requires proof of a negative PCR COVID-19 test before returning from a foreign country. International countries also require a test to get into their country too. Read the travel guidelines here.

Be Aware Of Other Winter Viruses And Bugs

Believe it or not, on top of the usual colds and flu, we are currently seeing people coming in for hand, foot, and mouth disease as well. People are confusing the symptoms and thinking it’s COVID-19 when chances are very slim that it is.  It’s important to understand the differences between symptoms of colds, flu, or any other illness to avoid confusion or panic.

The symptoms for hand, foot, and mouth disease are:

• Mouth Sores

• Rash on hands and feet

• Fever

Colds, flu, and COVID-19 have a few symptoms that are similar, but they each have their main distinction as shown in the chart below:

If you haven’t done so already, stock up on cold medicines and make sure to take a break every now and then because the holidays can also make you sick from sheer exhaustion, low energy and not getting enough sleep.

Get A Flu Shot And Get Tested For COVID-19 As A Safety Precaution This Christmas Season

This brings us to our next point. Get tested BEFORE AND AFTER your celebrations! The main concern this season is that not everyone is vaccinated for COVID-19. Getting tested before and after a family gathering is a good safety precaution to take so you are not bringing the virus with you to the next gathering. 

In addition to this, you should also get your flu shot. Flu season has just started and you don’t want to confuse it with COVID-19. A flu shot will help provide immunity and keep your loved ones safe from getting the flu.

AFC Urgent Care Marlborough Can Help With Flu Shots And COVID-19 Testing

AFC Urgent Care Marlborough hopes that everyone prepares in advance and sets the rules when hosting a gathering, visiting family or going out for their holiday festivities. If you need us for COVID-19 testing before you do any of these things, we offer Rapid COVID-19 testing 7 days a week with no appointment needed.

***Due to the holiday traffic and high demands, wait times for testing may take longer. Plan ahead!

Remember: You can also visit us for minor cuts, sprains, X-rays, flu vaccines and your other urgent care needs 7 days a week. With extended hours from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday through Friday and weekend hours from 8 am to 8 pm, we make it convenient for all of our friends and families in the Marlborough communities.