Don't Let Colds or the Flu Ruin Your Holidays

It’s hard to feel festive when you are battling a cold—or worse, the flu. Here’s how to stay healthy through the holidays:

• Take advantage of holiday gatherings. The more social people were, the less likely they were to catch a cold, according to a study in Psychological Science.
• Kindly excuse yourself from sick friends and family.
• Teach children to sneeze and cough into a tissue or their upper arm.
• Schedule time for sleep and relaxation. Research shows that fatigue and job burnout increase the risk of colds.
• Wrap pretty soaps as presents. Attach a gift tag: “To good health: Wash your hands often and vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds.” Don’t forget to follow this same advice yourself.
• Keep germ-killing, alcohol-based hand cleanser in your purse, desk, and other convenient places.
• Make time for activities that leave you cheerful, energetic, and calm. One study found that cold risk went down as positive emotions rose.
• Finally, get a flu shot, if available. It’s the best defense against the flu.

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November/December 2005 Healthy Tomorrow

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The editorial content of this online publication is taken from the print version of A Healthy Tomorrow published by Loma Linda University Medical Center.