During the holidays, people tend to gather, go to parties, and share many things. While sharing Christmas gifts and wishes for world peace are traditional over the holiday season, sharing germs can also be an unfortunate side effect of these gatherings. In order to avoid catching the flu during the season of giving, follow some simple common sense rules.
Keeping Clean to Avoid Flu Infection
Frequent hand washing is necessary during the flu season. It is important, however, for hand washing to be done correctly. Hot water, along with adequate antibacterial soap, is a must when washing hands. In order to have thoroughly sanitized hands, they should be scrubbed with soap for the time it takes to sing "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer."
When at a holiday gathering, hands should be washed prior to eating, drinking, handling any food, or touching the face in any way. After touching a doorknob, or any other common surface, hand washing removes any germs that have been picked up as well.
Buffet Eating Transmits Germs
Most holiday parties include a buffet table of holiday treats. Cookies, chips, and other serve-yourself finger foods are available for all party-goers. Unfortunately, not everyone in the room will have clean fingers when they grab a chip or cookie, and germs can be transmitted in this fashion. In addition, a single inadvertent sneeze could cover the table with an invisible layer of contagion. In order to avoid catching the flu or other diseases at parties this holiday season, it may be best to eat privately, before the party.
Talk to Guests Before the Party
Having a frank discussion with all party guests before the big day helps everyone understand the necessity for avoiding illness for everyone who has been invited. Assuring party guests that feelings will not be hurt in the event of a last-minute cancellation due to sickness, and that cancellation is preferable to the spread of the flu among other guests, is an important communication.
Dangers of Flu Parties
Some people believe that by exposing themselves and their children to someone who has influenza, they will be protecting themselves from a later, more severe, case of flu. These people gather in groups, with an infected individual, in gatherings called flu parties. Flu parties are not recommended by the CDC, due to the potential severity of flu infections.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Victoria Nicks - Victoria Nicks has a Master's Degree in IT, and extensive hands-on experience with various types of hardware and software.
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