How's this for an unwanted scenario?  Everyone in the family is excited about going to grandma's house for a delicious, Christmas dinner, exchange of gifts and catching up.  Then, lo and behold, someone gets sick and all the plans get canceled!  

Nothing can spoil your plans during this season of holiday get-togethers, school concerts and Christmas travel plans quicker than coming down with the flu or other seasonal illness.  While your chances of getting sick are fairly high at this time of year, there are some things you can do to try to prevent spending Christmas with a box of Kleenex and a hot water bottle.

Medical Officer of Health for the Calgary Zone of Alberta Health Services Dr. Judy MacDonald said, as we get into the holiday season, viruses spread quickly.  

"Sadly, it's similar every year, the viruses, especially influenza, and sometimes some of the other viruses, are just rubbing their hands together, if we can say that, to have a chance to infect other people.  It can certainly put a damper on holiday celebrations and festivities so it's important that you try to protect yourself from getting these in the first place."

MacDonald said one thing we can all do, and the most important thing for preventing the spread of the flu virus is to get our flu shot.

"Your first preventive step should be to get immunized. You protect those around you as well as yourself." 

Then, she said, make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.  If you don't have one handy, always cough or sneeze into your arm and not your hand.  Then, make sure you always wash your hands well.  

"That will stand you in good stead to prevent many different things. Wash your hands frequently and keep them away from your face. Those viruses, influenza included, can lurk on surfaces where people have just deposited them through coughing or touching and if you pick them up on your hand and touch your face, rub your eyes, that sort of thing, you can infect yourself.  So keep your hands clean and keep them away from your face."

MacDonald also advises against preparing food for anyone while you're sick.  

If getting immunized and washing your hands well doesn't quite do the trick and you still come down with something, MacDonald said don't try to be a hero and tough it out.  Just stay home.

"You shouldn't go to that Christmas party or that Christmas concert at your child's school or whatever because you're just going to inflict this on somebody else."

 

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