Holiday travel is a hot ticket, and this year is shaping up to be a record buster.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home over the Thanksgiving holiday. More than 115 million plan to hit the road or take to the skies over Christmas and New Year’s.
Holiday travels can be a joy, but they also put you at greater risk of getting sick. You’re not only exposed to more germs, but you’re also more likely to over indulge in alcohol and rich foods, get less sleep and exercise, and experience an elevated level of stress only the holidays can conjure.
That can take a toll on your immune system – and your physical and mental health.
What are the most common illnesses related to holiday travel?
Large holiday gatherings, crowded travel conditions and more time indoors can increase the risk of getting sick. Here are some of the most common holiday-travel related illnesses:
- Respiratory illness. The holidays are the high season for the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, flu, COVID, and RSV. This year, another highly contagious respiratory bug is in the air, just in time for holiday travel and gatherings. As of mid-November, Washington state reported more than 1,400 cases of whooping cough cases compared with 57 reported at the same time last year, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
- Norovirus. Considered the most common cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S., norovirus is highly contagious and can spread easily, especially in crowded places. Norovirus causes inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and results in some pretty un-hallmark like symptoms (they don’t call it the winter vomiting bug for nothing).
- Urinary tract infections. Changed routines, not enough water and limited access to bathrooms during holiday travel can increase the risk of UTIs.
- Heartburn and indigestion. Nearly as common during the holidays as pumpkin pie and eggnog, heartburn and indigestion are conditions related to something that’s going on in the intestinal tract. Heartburn can also be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Learn how to avoid holiday heartburn and indigestion.
How can I stay healthy while traveling during the holidays?
If you’re gearing up for holiday travel this year, a few simple precautions will go a long way to ensure the season is healthy, merry, and bright for you and your loved ones.
- Lean in to hand hygiene. You know the drill. Regular and frequent handwashing with soap is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat healthy. It’s a lot to bite off, but it is possible to make healthy choices during the holidays without feeling deprived. Be mindful of what you eat, practice portion control, load up on fiber-rich vegetables, and enjoy holiday treats in moderation.
- Find time for exercise. Physical activity helps your body’s immune system fight off illness and can reduce your chance of getting a cold, flu, or other holiday bug. It can also help lower stress hormones, which increase the chance of getting sick. Even a little movement has benefits. Use downtime for stretches or a quick workout, take a group walk after dinner, squeeze in some squats or wall sits, or try out snowshoeing.
- Get vaccinated. To protect yourself and those around you, make sure you’re up to date on vaccines, including, flu, COVID, and RSV. They are all proven to be safe and effective. Even if you do get sick, you’re much less likely to experience severe symptoms.
- Pack a travel health kit. Include your routine medications and over-the-counter remedies, such as pain relievers and cold, cough, and flu medicine. It’s also a good idea to include hand wipes and sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.
- Keep a good sleep routine. When you don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep, your body makes fewer antibodies to help fight off infection. Aim for at least 7 hours of good sleep each night. The National Sleep Foundation offers age-specific sleep guidelines. It’s also important to be well rested before you head out for the holidays, especially if you’re driving to your destination.
- Hydrate. Proper hydration helps boost the immune system, flushes out toxins, and adds oxygen to the blood to keep the body functioning properly. It even keeps mucous membranes in your nasal passages moist to help catch viruses before they enter your body.
- Mask up. They’re no longer mandated to protect against COVID, but wearing a mask is still a simple and effective way to lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Manage your stress. The intense stress many people feel during the holidays can weaken the immune system. Indigo has some great tips for navigating stress during the holiday season.
- Get the care you need – where and when you need it. No one wants their holiday travels hampered by illness. If you or a loved one gets sick while away from home this holiday season, Indigo Virtual Care is as close as your phone or favorite device.
Indigo Virtual Care is your ticket to a healthier holiday
When you have a minor illness or injury, Indigo Virtual Care makes it easy to get the urgent care you need on your terms and schedule – from home, on the road or wherever you are this holiday season. And you’ll always get the same high-quality care from the same trusted and board-certified clinicians you would normally see in one of our convenient Indigo locations. Virtual care is available for adults and children in Washington state and Idaho.
Anyone over 18 years of age can create an Indigo Virtual Care account. Once you’re set up, it’s easy to add adult dependents and minor children to your account. Visits for minor children must be completed by a parent.
During your virtual care visit, you'll meet face-to-face with a trusted Indigo clinician to talk about your symptoms, care plan, and treatment options.
If you find the holidays are taking a toll on your emotional wellbeing, Indigo Virtual Care also offers mental health screenings for adults 18 and older. Simply complete a quick questionnaire and get connected.
Virtually and in person, we’re here for you 8 am to 8 pm, every day – including holidays.
Due to legal requirements, virtual care visits are only available when you're in Washington state or Idaho.
