Take precautions - stay healthy over the holidays
With the flu season upon us and an uptick in COVID cases, it is important to prevent the spread of contagious diseases during our holiday celebrations. Understanding how diseases are transmitted and knowing how to prevent them will help everyone stay healthy over the next several weeks.
Contagious diseases such as the flu (influenza), COVID, RSV, and pneumonia are mostly transmitted through direct contact with an ill person or their secretions. However, some germs responsible for contagious diseases may remain in the air for hours or on surfaces for days after the person has left the area. However, there are several ways to help lessen the spread of diseases.
First and foremost, stay up to date with recommended immunizations. This significantly reduces the chance of infecting others. In addition, good hygiene practices such as washing hands for at least 20 seconds will help prevent the spread of contagious diseases. When handwashing is not possible, the use of hand sanitizers containing at least 70% alcohol is an excellent idea. This is a convenient substitute in restaurants after handling menus that are seldom if ever sanitized.
Other preventative measures are avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils, sharing pillows or blankets, and keeping hands away from the eyes, nose, and mouth. In addition, routinely disinfecting surfaces will help. Don’t forget doorknobs, telephones, faucet handles, countertops, keyboards, and any other surfaces or objects shared by others.
And remember, the best preventative measure to avoid making others sick is to stay home when you are!
Pastoral Care Director,
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