Staying safe during respiratory virus season

Many of us look forward to the holidays and the time spent with our families. But if you or someone else is feeling unwell, you risk transmitting an illness to your loved ones.

If you’re feeling unwell, play it safe and skip the gathering in order to protect yourself and your family.
 

Whether you’re preparing food or not, it’s important that you frequently clean your hands—either by washing them with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.

Be sure to clean your hands before preparing food and before and after eating.

Although this can be tough at family gatherings, try to avoid crowding when possible. This will help limit the transmission of germs and lower the risk of contracting an illness.

If your family attends an indoor event, try to keep yourself and your loved ones away from larger crowds.

For some respiratory illnesses—like RSV—young children are especially vulnerable. With no RSV vaccine yet available, it’s important to remember to try and avoid cuddling, hugging, and kissing young children.

If you have a newborn, you may consider limiting visitors during RSV season. Ensure any visitors are healthy, wash their hands when they enter your house and before holding the baby, and refrain from kissing your baby. You might also ask visitors to wear a mask to further reduce risk.

We know you love them but refraining from hugging and kissing young children can help limit the spread of germs and better protect them.
 

Do not share cups or utensils.

This is always a best practice as it limits the transmission of germs and bacteria that can cause illness.

If you have to cough, make sure to practice the “vampire cough” and tuck your hand into your chest and cough into the crook of your elbow.

You may also consider wearing a face mask to help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

It’s a good idea to wash your hands—or use hand sanitizer—immediately following your cough.

Use disinfectant sprays and wipes frequently to kill any germs that may be lurking on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs and handles, light switches, and cabinets.