If we are not vigilant, the end of the year celebrations can quickly become blessed bread for the diseases at the heart of the triple epidemic: influenza, Covid-19 and bronchiolitis. Infectious disease specialist Dr Charles Bailey shared his tips for reducing the risk of virus transmission during Christmas and New Year.
- As of December 14, 2022, all French regions were in the epidemic phase of influenza.
- If the 9th wave of Covid-19 seems to have reached its peak, hospitalizations and deaths are still on the rise, according to the latest weekly bulletin from Public Health France.
Early outbreaks of influenza and bronchiolitis and a still high number of Covid-19 cases… There is a great risk that viruses will be among the guests of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, but also that they will remain the following weeks. However, we are not without resources in the face of these diseases.
“Many of the habits we have adopted (somewhat reluctantly at times) during the Covid pandemic will serve to protect us from various illnesses over the coming months”explained Dr. Charles Bailey, medical director of infection prevention at Providence St. Joseph and Providence Mission Hospital (California) to the site Well and Good. The expert detailed the good gestures to have.
Get vaccinated against the flu and Covid-19
For the infectiologist, the first tool to fight against the epidemics which are rampant this winter is vaccination.
“Obviously, making sure you are up to date with flu and Covid-19 vaccines are important specific precautions you can take”assured the expert.
Nevertheless, it is important to remember that it takes two weeks for vaccine protection to be optimal.
Wash your hands frequently to eliminate germs
Frequent hand washing, especially if preparing the holiday meal, is a good way to prevent the transmission of viruses and germs. The specialist has specified the right actions to apply to have impeccable hand hygiene.
- Use warm water and soap to scrub your hands.
- Wash all parts of your fingers and hands up to the wrist, for at least 15-20 seconds.
- Be sure to clean under your fingernails as well as the spaces between each finger, these areas are often overlooked.
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.
- Once your hands are washed, try to keep them away from your mouth and nose.
Germs: disinfect phones and electronic devices
If your phone, computer, or TV remote is in constant use (whether by you or your loved ones), it’s literally crawling with germs. It is therefore recommended to clean them regularly during the season of colds, flus, gastroes and other winter illnesses.
To disinfect your devices, use a cloth lightly dampened with soap and water. Attention, do not put too much water to avoid damaging your electronic products. And of course, unplug them before cleaning them.
Avoiding crowds to reduce virus transmission
Dr. Bailey says it’s best to avoid crowds and large gatherings this winter, especially if they’re in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces. These promote the transmission of microbes. For your Christmas and New Year’s shopping, for example, favor markets and small traders over supermarkets and shopping centres.
Infection: wear a mask if in doubt
Wearing a mask reduces the risk of viral transmission and protects those around you. Remember to have a mask in your bag and take it out if in doubt. Both the doctor and the French health authorities recommend wearing this protection in transport.
“I have personally followed and will continue to follow all of the recommendations above. At least if I do get sick, I can take comfort in knowing that I followed all of this common-sense, evidence-based advice.”concludes Dr. Bailey.
