Cold & Flu Prevention Tips During Holiday Travel

Thanksgiving is just days away, and you know what that means! Delicious feasts with family and friends and crowded airports with strangers.

The holidays are an exciting time, but sometimes the stress of travel can leave you feeling worn down and expose your immune system to cold and flu viruses you would normally be able to fend off.

Thanksgiving is just days away, and you know what that means! Delicious feasts with family and friends and crowded airports with strangers.

Especially if you are 65 and older, pregnant or have a chronic health condition, such as asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, these preventative tips can go a long way to keeping you happy and healthy this holiday season!

• Get a flu shot: Make an appointment with your doctor or drop in your local pharmacy, such as Walgreens or The Kroger Little Clinic.
• Wash your hands often: Suds up with warm water and scrub for at least 20 seconds to effectively kill bacteria and germs – approximately the time it takes to sing Happy Birthday.
• Use sanitizer with 60% alcohol: While an alcohol-based sanitizer is not as effective as washing your hands, it can reduce the number of germs on your hands in a pinch.
• Boost your vitamin C intake: Time and again, vitamin C has been linked to stronger immune systems. You can find this powerful flu fighter in oranges, red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts and tomatoes, among others. You can also take a vitamin C supplement; just be sure to talk with your doctor first to make sure it won’t interfere with any current medications you’re taking.
• Get your zzz’s: Studies show that people who get less than seven hours of sleep a night are more susceptible to the cold and flu than those that get eight or more hours a night.

Regardless of how you plan to spend your holiday, try to take a few moments for yourself.

So often, we get swept up in the hustle and bustle that we forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving – taking a step back to reflect on all that we are thankful for and spending time with family and friends we love the most. Wishing you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

For more tips on how to stay happy and healthy this holiday season, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.