Avoiding Colds and Flu This Holiday Season

It seems everywhere you go during the holidays, whether visiting family and friends, traveling or shopping, someone is coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose.  How is it possible to stay healthy this time of year without socially isolating yourself or missing out on the fun? 

Older adults especially can be vulnerable to serious side effects from the flu and should take care to avoid exposure to viruses that tend to spike during the holiday season.  It is estimated that between 71 and 85 per cent of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in adults over the age of 65.

Not only do flu and cold bugs become more active in late fall and early winter, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus and rotavirus, which cause stomach flu symptoms are also more prevalent.

Advice from the experts

• Get an annual flu shot – high dose flu shots may be appropriate for seniors
• Ask your doctor about pneumococcal vaccines if you are over 65
• Practice frequent hand-washing
• Cover coughs in the crook of your elbow
• Use hand sanitizer in hospital or nursing home settings or airports
• Avoid stress – cut back on cooking or shopping if it becomes too much
• Get enough rest; 7-9 hours each night is recommended
• Stay well hydrated – skip that second glass of wine and drink sparkling water instead

Stress plays a role in how likely we are to pick up an infection during the holidays.  Too much pressure can cause a spike in cortisol levels; the hormone that responds to stress can lower immunity and make you more susceptible to infections.  By planning ahead and avoiding crowds in shopping malls or heavy traffic much of this holiday stress can be prevented.

Older adults who experience symptoms of the flu including fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, chills or fatigue should seek medical advice early.  Treatment with antiviral drugs are most effective in the first two days of the illness.    For more advice and information about the flu and complications from the flu, following this link to the CDC website.