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Staying Safe and Healthy During the Holiday Season Amidst a Pandemic

As the winter holidays draw near, and with COVID-19 cases rising, many might think that a cozy gathering at home is the safest way to reconnect with loved ones. But here's the reality: even a small dinner with family who don't live with you can expose everyone to SARS-CoV-2. Research indicates that gatherings, even small ones, can significantly increase the risk of transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces where ventilation is poor and social distancing is difficult to maintain[1]. So, while it may not be the most exciting news, following safety tips and precautions is crucial to keep you and your family safe and healthy. Here are some recommendations to help you enjoy the season.

1) Get Creative with Gift-Giving

Instead of heading to crowded stores for holiday shopping, consider alternatives. If you must shop in person, try going during off-peak hours when the stores are less busy. An even better option is to shop online or call local businesses for gift delivery. You might also think about sending gift cards directly to your friends and family. Another lovely gesture could be ordering their favorite meals from local restaurants for delivery or making donations in their names. Remember, meaningful gifts don't have to break the bank; thoughtful ideas can make this holiday season truly special.

2) Share Meals Virtually

Typically, the holidays mean gathering around a table filled with delicious food. This year, why not share your family's traditional recipes with each other? You can all cook together via video call, enjoying the meal while chatting. Although you won't be in the same room, this can still bring everyone together and create a memorable experience. Virtual gatherings can help mitigate feelings of isolation during this time, which is especially important as social connections impact overall mental health and resilience during the pandemic[2].

3) Discover a New Hobby

The end of the year is often about celebrations and socializing, but with COVID-19 still a concern, it's a good time to explore new interests. Instead of feeling down, why not find a new hobby? Whether it's crafting, blogging, or volunteering remotely, pursuing something you're passionate about can be a great way to lift your spirits. Engaging in meaningful activities can also serve as a protective factor against stress and anxiety during these uncertain times[3].

4) Embrace Outdoor Activities

Staying active has been a challenge for many during this pandemic. However, prioritizing exercise, even during the holidays, is essential for maintaining good health. After indulging in a festive meal, take a long walk with your family, or play outdoor games with your kids. Keeping active can boost your mood and well-being. Recent studies have shown that regular physical activity can enhance immune function, which is particularly important for reducing the severity of infections like COVID-19[5].

5) Celebrate with Care

Try to avoid traveling to visit relatives outside your household. If travel is unavoidable, steer clear of public transport, wear masks, and sanitize your hands frequently at stops. It's best to celebrate with those you live with and, if attending gatherings, ensure physical distancing is maintained. Encourage outdoor settings for any events and confirm that all guests are committed to following safety protocols. Additionally, be mindful of alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can lead to ignoring safety measures[4].

References:

  1. Tayrine Ordonio Filgueira, Angela Castoldi, Lucas Eduardo R Santos, Geraldo José de Amorim, Matheus Santos de Sousa Fernandes, Weydyson de Lima do Nascimento Anastácio, Eduardo Zapaterra Campos, Tony Meireles Santos, Fabrício Oliveira Souto. The Relevance of a Physical Active Lifestyle and Physical Fitness on Immune Defense: Mitigating Disease Burden, With Focus on COVID-19 Consequences.. PubMed. 2021.
  2. Robson Chacon Castoldi, Juliana Cristina de Ângelo, Thiago Teixeira Pereira, Rodrigo Martins Dias, Fábio Juliano Negrão. Relationship between physical exercise and COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): systematic review.. PubMed. 2023.
  3. Diego Fernández-Lázaro, Jerónimo J González-Bernal, Nerea Sánchez-Serrano, Lourdes Jiménez Navascués, Ana Ascaso-Del-Río, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso. Physical Exercise as a Multimodal Tool for COVID-19: Could It Be Used as a Preventive Strategy?. PubMed. 2020.
  4. Shannon C Kelly, Pamela K Thorne, Emily V Leary, Craig A Emter. Sex and diet, but not exercise, alter cardiovascular ACE2 and TMPRSS2 mRNA levels in aortic banded swine.. PubMed. 2023.
  5. Ricardo Salgado-Aranda, Nicasio Pérez-Castellano, Ivan Núñez-Gil, A Josué Orozco, Norberto Torres-Esquivel, Jesús Flores-Soler, Ahmed Chamaisse-Akari, Angela Mclnerney, Carlos Vergara-Uzcategui, Lin Wang, Juan J González-Ferrer, David Filgueiras-Rama, Victoria Cañadas-Godoy, Carlos Macaya-Miguel, Julián Pérez-Villacastín. Influence of Baseline Physical Activity as a Modifying Factor on COVID-19 Mortality: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study.. PubMed. 2021.

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