Don't let yourself fall ill for the holidays

December 21, 2011

By Laura Whalen, Director Panhandle Health District Holidays are the time to spread joy and not illness to friends and family. Parties and celebrations bring people together in close quarters where food is open to many hands, so take precautions to prevent yourself from becoming sick or making others sick. Some highly contagious viruses such as norovirus, an acute gastrointestinal illness, or the flu, a respiratory ailment, spread quickly during the winter when people spend more time indoors and close to others. Although it is not the flu, people often refer to norovirus as the stomach flu because of its symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain. It’s highly contagious and spreads from person to person through contaminated food or water and by touching contaminated surfaces. Most people get better within a day or two, but dehydration can become a problem with young children, the elderly and people with other illnesses. Washing hands thoroughly and often is the best protection from norovirus. The flu virus, which causes a respiratory illness, spreads through the air and through contact with contaminated surfaces. Germs can live for hours on hard surfaces such as doorknobs or cell phones. Washing your hands well and often will help you prevent those germs from spreading. If you have cold or flu symptoms, you can protect others by coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or into a tissue and then depositing the tissue into a trashcan and washing your hands. Stay home when you’re sick to help stop the spread of your germs. Staying at least three feet away from other people with flu-like symptoms will help prevent their germs from reaching you. If you’re the person giving the party, make sure you keep cold foods at 41° or below and hot foods at 140° or above to prevent food-borne illnesses. Place the cold food on ice and refill the platters with food stored in the refrigerator. Foods should not be left out for more than two hours. Wash your hands and preparation surfaces well when preparing food and before eating. Following a few simple precautions can help ensure a happy holiday for you and your family.