Vacation well being suggestions from an pressing care doctor

The vacation season is a busy time of 12 months, marked with social gatherings and journey plans that maintain individuals on the transfer. It’s additionally a time when respiratory viruses like COVID-19, the flu and RSV are inclined to surge. Whether or not you are visiting family members or lastly attending to take pleasure in a much-needed seaside trip, don’t let sickness damage the vacation season. 

To remain wholesome throughout this time of 12 months, think about taking just a few precautionary measures. Reyn Higa, MD a Household Drugs doctor with Dignity Well being Pressing Care in Northridge, shares tricks to keep wholesome throughout the vacation season.

Get vaccinated 

Vaccines are actually accessible to guard towards COVID-19, RSV and the flu. Getting vaccinated stays one of the best ways to guard your self and family members from respiratory viruses. 

In line with the CDC, “everybody ages 6 months and older ought to get a flu vaccine and up to date COVID-19 vaccination this fall.” The CDC additionally recommends an RSV immunization for some teams at greater danger for extreme RSV sickness akin to adults older than 60 and infants. 

As the vacations carry extra indoor gatherings and elevated travels, viruses are inclined to unfold extra simply. If you happen to’re gearing as much as journey or anticipating spending time with family and friends, there’s nonetheless time to get your vaccines. 

Journey safely

Masking continues to be a good way to forestall the unfold of an infection, particularly when touring. Utilizing a top quality masks or respirator can mitigate the unfold of viruses, particularly when you end up in crowded areas with poor air circulation for an prolonged time frame, like public transportation. Carrying a masks may also assist those that are extra weak to respiratory viruses by limiting the unfold of germs. 

Placing collectively a well being equipment on your travels can also be a good way to get forward of any healthcare wants you’ll have when you’re on the transfer. Be sure you are stocked with any prescription and over-the-counter drugs you may want. Relying on the place you’re headed, think about bug spray, SPF, hand sanitizer and tylenol. 

Forestall the unfold 

If you happen to do end up sick, keep dwelling! The easiest way to guard others is by staying dwelling in the event you’re feeling beneath the climate.  If that’s not attainable, do your greatest to isolate your self when you’re recovering. 

Keep in mind to all the time cowl coughs and sneezes in your elbow or with a tissue and all the time wash your fingers. Washing your fingers with cleaning soap helps kill viruses that could be residing on the pores and skin. If you happen to aren’t in a position to get to heat water and cleaning soap, utilizing hand sanitizer with no less than 60% of alcohol will assist kill germs.  

It’s also possible to get examined for COVID-19, RSV and the flu. Figuring out what you’ve gotten will make it easier to decide what therapy choices you’ve gotten and the way lengthy it’s best to isolate to forestall others from getting sick. In case you are involved about your signs, discuss to your healthcare supplier. 

If you happen to check constructive for COVID-19, remedy ought to be began inside 5 days of the beginning of your signs. Flu remedy ought to begin inside 2 days. “The earlier you begin remedy for COVID-19 or flu, the higher,” says Dr. Higa.

Key takeaways 

The vacations are a festive and enjoyable time of 12 months however include an elevated danger of sickness. To guard your self and family members, think about the next actions: 

• Get vaccinated towards RSV, COVID-19 and the flu earlier than vacation gatherings.
• Keep in mind to clean your fingers, cowl coughs and sneezes, and keep dwelling if feeling sick.
• Masks-up on planes and trains as a preventative measure.
• Converse to your supplier in the event you expertise signs of both RSV, COVID-19 or the flu.

Regardless of being a busy time of 12 months, attempt to get loads of relaxation and keep hydrated to maintain feeling your greatest. If you happen to do change into sick, converse together with your healthcare supplier in case your signs worsen or proceed for longer than two weeks. Our “Discover a Physician” device will help you discover a Dignity Well being Medical Group doctor close to you.