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COVID-19 Prevention During the Holidays
Preparing
WRITTEN BY DR. ROBERT DONNARUMMA, CHAIR, COVID-19 for the unwanted holiday visitor:
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, SARATOGA HOSPITAL
As an emergency room physician, I understand the heartbreaking impact coronavirus can have on families. I hope to prevent that for you, especially during the holidays when friends and loved ones gather to celebrate and enjoy being together. Holiday season is, unfortunately, also flu season, when the spread of viral infection is at its peak. There are precautions you can take to keep both flu and coronavirus at bay.
It’s a myth that coronavirus is less deadly or no worse than flu. Actually, it can be six to seven times more fatal. We now know that the disease can have serious long-term effects, too. While most cases recover just fine, many experience prolonged neurologic, lung, heart and other illnesses for weeks and months after the virus is cleared, even among young adults without underlying health conditions. We don’t want any of that for you. Here are some tips to help keep you healthy during the holiday season by protecting—and preparing—you and the people in your life from coronavirus. Get the flu shot. It is possible to catch the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The flu vaccine won’t keep you from catching COVID-19, but it may protect you from being too weak to fight it off. When fighting two viruses simultaneously, the body’s immune system can be overwhelmed and susceptible to secondary infections. If you’ve never had a flu shot before, this is the year to get it, and get it soon. It takes up to two weeks to be fully effective. You might still catch the flu, but the vaccine will lessen the severity and duration of symptoms. The flu shot does not cause flu. It will help keep you from spreading it to someone more vulnerable. Eat right and exercise. People of all ages are susceptible, not just the elderly. You want your body’s immune system to be strong enough to fight off COVID-19 and secondary infections. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes daily, stop smoking, get plenty of sleep, drink water, and take vitamins, just like everything your mother told you to do to stay healthy.
Visit your doctor and manage chronic conditions.
Patients with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, obesity and other underlying conditions are predisposed to having poorer outcomes if infected. Don’t be afraid
Dr. Robert Donnarumma
to see your doctor during this pandemic. Delayed care is a risk to your condition and to your recovery if you do become infected with COVID-19. Also, check out anything new. That’s what your doctor, urgent care, and the emergency department are for. We have seen more burst appendixes this year than ever because people delayed medical treatment. You have to take care of yourself. You are your own best weapon against coronavirus and any other disease. Wear a mask and practice good public health precautions. Let your guests know that you are taking COVID-19 and their health and safety seriously. Wear masks, wash hands, social distance, and make your gatherings virtual. If in person, try to do it outside or in a well-ventilated area. Keep plenty of hand sanitizer available, and make sure your high-risk guests have personal protective equipment. When shopping for gifts and feast fixings, choose stores where front-line workers are properly protected. No precaution is 100% effective. That’s why it is so important that you keep yourself as healthy as possible, so your body is strong enough to fight off the virus. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor. Learn more at SaratogaHospital.org. Together, we can keep your holidays healthy, happy, and safe.
