The holiday season often involves travel, including air, train and car to get home and spend time with your family. Regardless of how you travel back to your holiday celebrations, it is critical to make sure you stay healthy by maintaining your hygiene during your travels, which can reduce the possibility of you getting sick on your trip home.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly & Often
Regardless of your mode of transportation, keeping your hands clean is critical to maintaining your health. You touch countless surfaces throughout the day, from the door handle to your car to the railing going up and down the stairs to the buttons of the shared office microwave, all of which are covered with germs that can transport different viruses and illnesses. Regularly washing your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water can disinfect your hands and prevent illnesses from developing symptoms. You can use hand sanitizers to supplement handwashing throughout the day, but it will not be able to break down buildup on your hands if they are dirty. When watching your hands, make sure you scrub for at least 30 seconds to get them completely clean.
Dress Warmly, In Layers Before Going Outside
Are you traveling to a colder climate for the holidays? Changes in temperature can leave your body susceptible to catching a cold or the flu virus. If you have not done so already, take the time to get your flu shot in order to be protected for the remainder of flu season. Before going outside on cold days, dress in warm layers that cover your chest in order to prevent colds and congestion. Make sure your hair is dry, and protect your head under a warm hat. Spending time outdoors with wet hair in cold weather can lead to hypothermia, colds and pneumonia, among other illnesses. If you are not prepared for cold days, limit your time outdoors to avoid a cold.
Stay on Your Sleep Schedule
Between travel and holiday gatherings, you may be experiencing heightened levels of stress and exhaustion. Try to stick to your regular sleep habits as much as possible in order to allow your body plenty of time to rest and recover from the day. A lack of sleep can lower your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to getting sick.
Travel Medicine & Illness Treatment in Paramus, NJ
If you are going to a new location for the holidays, check with AFC Urgent Care Paramus to see if you need vaccinations prior to your trip. Our center is open seven days a week, and most insurance plans are accepted. For more information, please call 201-262-2010.
