Celebrate the holidays with family by adhering to COVID-19 and flu prevention precautions

Despite COVID-19 flare-ups in parts of Canada and other countries, The flu is making its annual rounds, just as holiday travel and family gatherings get expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. The flu virus, like COVID-19, spreads primarily through droplets formed when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. The flu and COVID-19 can weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to the other virus. Furthermore, more people are abandoning early pandemic habits like mask-wearing and social isolation, almost positively creating a perfect blow for the return of a busy flu season. The COVID-19 vaccine has allowed us to spend the upcoming holidays with my family and friends once more. Smart Pharma advises all Canadians to plan ahead of time and take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19 and the flu while celebrating to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

Here are some of the tips for tarrying safe while celebrating the holidays this year:

Plan when picking up supplies-

Grocery stores are a popular destination because no holiday celebration is complete without food. Rather than risking a crowded store, make your grocery list now and avoid peak hours to avoid crowds or shop online. Consider using your grocery store’s curbside or doorstep delivery service to stock up on supplies for your holiday meal. Even if you got vaccinated, Smart Pharma recommends wearing a mask in indoor public places and keeping in mind that six feet are probably more than two arm’s lengths away (or two shopping carts).

Understand what makes a gathering safe and when you should take extra precautions.

Getting vaccinated for yourself and your family is the most effective way to stay safe. You should also consider getting a booster shot before gathering with your friends and family if you are eligible. Even if you got vaccinated, your holiday gatherings might need to look slightly different this year. Gathering outside, wearing masks, and social distancing, for example, are still necessary if the event includes:

A large group
Adults who aren't vaccinated
Young children who aren't fully vaccinated (which is about two weeks after their second Pfizer shot)
Young children who aren't yet eligible for vaccination
Vaccinated loved ones who have weakened immune systems

There may still be occasions when you should gather outside, wear a mask, and maintain social distance.

A small indoor holiday gathering at home is relatively low risk for fully vaccinated families — though you may still choose to wear masks indoors or move outside if you’re gathering with vaccinated loved ones but have weakened immune systems.
Even if you got vaccinated, wear a mask if you plan to celebrate in a public indoor setting. Even better, try to avoid crowded indoor locations entirely this holiday season.
Families with unvaccinated children should consider hosting outdoors and keep the weather in mind. Gathering indoors is still dangerous for people who haven’t gotten vaccinated. It is also the safer option for families with children who aren’t yet vaccinated or who aren’t fully vaccinated. Also, remember that digital tools can help you safely gather with them virtually if you have an unvaccinated family member.

While You’re Away

Travelling by plane, train, or bus can increase your and your family’s risk of catching the flu due to many people crammed into small spaces. The flu virus is particularly tough, and it can survive for hours on seats, armrests, and doorknobs. Because viruses frequently enter the body via the hands and then into the eyes or mouth, frequent washing your writing is one of the most important preventative measures you and your family can take. If soap and water aren’t available, clean your and your child’s hands with hand sanitizer or wipes before eating or preparing food, inserting contact lenses or touching potentially contaminated items like ticket counters and bins at security checkpoints.

Drink up. Hydrate with water.

Fifty-one percent of Canadians got fully vaccinated for COVID-19, which means that every crowd contains a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people. As a result, COVID transmission risks, particularly the delta variant, which is more contagious and can cause more severe illness than other variants. Traditions around the holidays are important for families and children. We can enjoy safer holidays, travel by protecting our health and others if we all work together. At Smart Pharma, We have injection-certified pharmacists on-site to assist you with your annual flu shots.