Staying healthy during the busy winter holiday months can sometimes be a challenge. While traveling, you are exposed to a lot of germs. However, there are some simple steps you can keep in mind while you travel this holiday season to increase your chances of staying healthy.
Common Cold Weather Illnesses
During the colder winter months, viral infections are increasingly prevalent. This is the case for a few reasons. A common misconception regarding this trend is that viruses are more active in colder weather. Viruses are always around, but our behavior and the impact that cold weather has on our body makes us more susceptible to illness.
One major reason why viral infections are more common during winter is because colder weather inhibits our body’s natural ability to filter out viruses. The mucus in your nose helps trap viruses that are breathed in and filter them to your stomach for disposal rather than your lungs where they want to cause an infection. Another reason why viral infections are especially common in winter months is that we spend much more time indoors, where viruses are able to swirl in the air and stick to surfaces to infect their next victim.
Illness Prevention Tips & Tricks
While traveling, you are exposed to many different circumstances where you might pick up a virus that will make you sick. Whether you travel by car, bus, train, or plane - or have friends and family travel to you, you will likely encounter a virus. That is why it is important to take preventive measures to ensure you can get through the holidays without getting sick.
- Get enough sleep while traveling to preserve your immune system’s strength
- Eat as close to your normal diet as possible
- Pack practically for the weather
- Bring sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer
- Wear a mask
- Wash your hands regularly
- Isolate if you are sick
Although sometimes viruses can sneak by our defenses, these steps will help ensure you can stay healthy this holiday season, even while you travel. Although sometimes not possible while traveling, isolating while you are sick is essential to ensure you don’t pass your sickness to your loved ones.
Get Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment by Visiting AFC Urgent Care Waltham
If you’re feeling under the weather, it is best to seek medical treatment for a proper diagnosis before traveling. This will not only ensure that you are prepared to travel but also protect those around you from getting sick. AFC Urgent Care Waltham offers same-day illness diagnosis & treatment on a walk-in basis. We also allow patients to schedule an appointment in advance of their visit on our website. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer low-cost care that you can count on. Walk into our clinic for reliable medical care when it is convenient for you.
