Everyone enjoys the holidays as they are often spent traveling and making memories with friends and family. But this time it has its downsides too– an increased risk of illness due to travel, crowded events, and colder weather. Therefore, it’s not always easy to remain healthy when celebrating the holidays. Nevertheless, there are several effective ways to protect yourself from falling ill during the holiday season. These tips range from washing hands to eating diet-rich foods that support the immune system, among other activities, to ensure you remain healthy during the festive season.
For same-day seasonal care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week and never requires appointments. Just stop by at your convenience!
What You Should Do Several Weeks Before the Holidays
There is usually an enhanced risk of getting ill during the festive seasons owing to increased social activities, travel, and the winter season. This is why you must adhere to safe practices that boost the immune system. It is important to ensure one focuses on a healthy diet by taking immuno-nutraceuticals like whole fruits and green vegetables or lean meat. Additionally, the holidays coincide with flu season, making vaccination an essential step to protect yourself and others. Flu shots reduce your risk of severe illness and help prevent the spread of the virus in your community.
Simple Hygiene Tips to Stay Healthy While Socializing
Infection can be easily acquired in social settings; however, the following hygiene measures can reduce the risk:
- Wash hands more often, especially before eating or touching faces. Use soap and water and scrub for twenty seconds or more.
- Carry Hand Sanitizer. If it is not possible to wash the hands, then use the alcohol-based sanitizer instead.
- Do not share plates and spoons with other people.
- Keep the environment clean by disinfecting surfaces that come into contact often, such as tables and doorknobs.
- Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re indulging in holiday treats and drinks which can dehydrate you.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help your body stay strong and boost immune health.
What’s the Best Response If You Get Sick During the Festive Season?
It can be difficult to enjoy your stay if you start feeling sick during holiday weekends. However, there are things you can do right away to ward off some symptoms from worsening or even to avoid spreading the illness to others:
- Relax and watch what you drink: Don’t do anything except rest, allow your body to recuperate, and ensure you take enough fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Do not attend social functions: Confinement is necessary to avoid infecting other people with your germs.
- Use self-care and over-the-counter medicine: Pain and fever can be managed with medicated products like paracetamol.
- Reach out for medical care: Contact a professional if symptoms get worse or you experience difficulty breathing.
Get Holiday Healthcare at AFC Urgent Care West Orange in West Orange, NJ
By prioritizing health and taking proactive measures, you can reduce your risk of holiday sickness and fully enjoy the season’s festivities. If you do fall ill, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our medical team is here to provide fast, compassionate care to get you back to feeling your best. Let us help you stay healthy and enjoy the holidays! Are you feeling unwell? Don’t ignore your symptoms– visit our walk-in clinic any day of the week for quality care! Our center is conveniently located at 464 Eagle Rock Avenue Suite C in West Orange, NJ. No appointments are required, just walk-in! We accept most major insurances and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about the seasonal urgent care services we provide, please give us a call at (973) 669-5900.