[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/12\/getting-sick-during-the-holidays\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/12\/getting-sick-during-the-holidays\/","headline":"Staying Healthy Over the Holidays: Tips to Prevent Illness and Injury","name":"Staying Healthy Over the Holidays: Tips to Prevent Illness and Injury","description":"The experts at UPMC are available to get your season back on track. Our extensive network of services and providers are always close by and ready to treat any unforeseen ailments that strike during the holidays.","datePublished":"2018-12-17","dateModified":"2024-11-04","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/gingerbread-hero-image.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/gingerbread-hero-image.jpg","height":325,"width":745},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/12\/getting-sick-during-the-holidays\/","about":["Family Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":458,"keywords":["Christmas","holidays"],"articleBody":"For many, the holiday season is a busy time \u2014 filled with family, friends, and more than a few festive gatherings.It\u2019s also a pretty inopportune time for an unexpected injury or illness.Fortunately, the experts at UPMC are available to get your season back on track. Our extensive network of services and providers are always close by and ready to treat any unforeseen ailments that strike during the holidays.For more, visit UPMC.com\/HolidaysHow to Cope with Holiday Illness and InjuriesFirst, consult our list of outpatient services, including UPMC emergency departments and walk-in clinics to find out where you can receive immediate medical care. Then, combat seasonal health hazards before they occur with these tips from our experts.Practice food safetyIf the holidays mean you’re spending extra time in the kitchen, be sure you’re following safe food prep guidelines to prevent food-related illness.Keep your hands and kitchen surfaces washed and clean.Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods.Make sure to cook foods to the proper temperature.Put any leftovers in the fridge as soon as the meal is over (do not leave perishables out for more than two hours).You’re prepared for the holidays with a full list of UPMC emergency departments, urgent care centers, and more.\u00a0Prevent Seasonal SnifflesThe common cold and seasonal influenza (flu)\u00a0are more likely to occur during or close to the winter months. Fortunately, a few simple steps can prevent the spread of illness.Avoid hugs, kisses, and close contact if someone is coughing or wiping their nose.Cover your coughs and sneezes.Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.Get a seasonal flu shot to prevent illness.Stay home from work or social outings when you’re sick.Avoid common kitchen injuriesThe holidays mean more time in the kitchen and more chances of getting cut from a knife or burned from the stove or oven.Don’t wear loose clothing while cooking.Focus on what you are doing in the kitchen.Slice away from your hand and keep your fingers clear of the knife’s blade.Stay nearby when food is cooking, and keep dish towels, food packaging, and other items away from stovetops and heated surfaces.Safely deck the hallsPrepping your house for the holidays can come with its own health hazards. The\u00a0Consumer Product Safety Commission\u00a0advises extra caution when decorating for the season.Artificial snow sprays can irritate your lungs if you inhale it.Avoid Christmas tree decorations that are sharp and breakable.Don’t burn wrapping paper in a fireplace or open flame. These materials can ignite suddenly and burn intensely.Never use electric lights on a metallic Christmas tree."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2018","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Staying Healthy Over the Holidays: Tips to Prevent Illness and Injury","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2018\/12\/getting-sick-during-the-holidays\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]