Stay happy and healthy this holiday season

The big day is now a week away, and it is holiday crunch time for many people.

Last-minute shopping excursions, Christmas concerts, office parties and holiday gatherings will all kick into high gear in the coming days.

So too will the risk of respiratory illness, particularly flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). If you want to avoid getting sick over the holiday’s, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and in turn, your loved ones.

Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, Associate Medical Officer of Health Dr. Matthew Tenenbaum, told 570 NewsRadio the number one thing you can do.

“It’s true whether you’re attending gatherings or not, if you haven’t already, get your vaccines. Get your COVID-19 shot. Get your flu shot. If you’re an older adult, get your RSV shot. There is a new eligibility this year for people aged 75 and above to get a publicly funded RSV vaccine.”

If you’re not sure where to get the RSV shot, call your primary care provider. If they have doses, they’ll give you one or help arrange one for you.

Dr. Tenenbaum said you don’t want to be the one spreading illness, so if you feel crummy, stay home. He recognizes that it may be easier said than done, given the pressures to see friends and family this time of year.

“Obviously, getting together over the holidays is very important, and it’s a very important time for gathering, but if you’re sick, it is really best you stay home avoid passing that infection on to others,” said Dr. Tenenbaum. He added, “We do say if you are feeling unwell, stay home. Then you’re not going to become the person who gives other people the virus.”

He said hand washing, of course, plays a huge role here. Especially when you’re with a large group, wash your hands frequently.

Holiday mental and physical healthcare

While the holidays are supposed to be about joy, happiness and love, not everyone enjoys this time of year. Depression and feelings of loneliness can be amplified by the focus on merriment.

Dr. Tenenbaum says, if you have vulnerable or isolated people in your life, give them a call.

“So, just a general good thing we recommend is check in on people in your life. Reach out to people you haven’t touched base with in a long time, see how they’re doing. And, think about how everyone you know is doing this time of year. It isn’t an easy time of year for every single person. It is a challenging time for mental health. We all do our little part to check in on those around us to see if they’re doing ok.”

Both Region of Waterloo Public Health and Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health have connections to community-based mental health supports.

When it comes to physical illnesses, it might be difficult to get in to see a primary care provider over the next few weeks.

But, Dr. Tenenbaum said that most physicians won’t leave their patients without options.

“Even if your family doctor is someone who you know isn’t going to be working over Christmas, they may have somebody who is covering for them that would be responsible for you as a patient. So, just check in with your doctor or the clinic you go to check what their after-hours are.”

If you think your illness is worsening and you need immediate attention, the emergency department at any of the hospitals in Waterloo Region and Wellington County will always be open.

The Waterloo-Wellington regional hospitals have put together a resource called “Know Your Care Options” to help you figure out what level of care you need for the symptoms you’re experiencing. It could save you hours of waiting at a local ER.

Urgent Care Ontario is offering virtual urgent-care appointments, which are free, as long as you have a health card.