Tip:

• Drink water regularly before and during your trip
• Limit alcohol and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you

2. Sanitize Your Space

Airplanes, buses, and trains turn over passengers quickly, and surfaces may not be thoroughly cleaned between every group. Focus on “high-touch” areas:

• Seat belts
• Armrests
• Tray tables
• Touch screens and buttons

Use disinfecting wipes to clean these surfaces before you settle in. Follow up with hand sanitizer after touching shared areas like handrails, bathroom doors, and kiosks.

3. Heavy-Up on Hand Hygiene

Hand sanitizer is great on the go, but soap and water are still the gold standard.

• Use hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) when you can’t wash
• Wash hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching your face—especially eyes, nose, and mouth

4. Pack a “Health Kit” in Your Carry-On

A small health kit can turn a stressful situation into something manageable. Consider including:

• Any prescription medications (plus a few extra days’ worth)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
• Cough drops or lozenges
• Tissues
• Travel-sized hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
• A small thermometer

If you have chronic conditions (like asthma or diabetes), bring backup supplies and keep them in your carry-on, not checked baggage.

Staying Safe at Holiday Gatherings

Family dinners, holiday parties, and church events bring everyone together—but they also make it easy for viruses to spread. These guidelines help protect your loved ones, especially infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

1. Stay Home If You’re Sick (Really.)

It’s hard to miss a family tradition, but attending while sick can expose an entire group. Stay home or join virtually if you have:

• Fever
• New cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• New loss of taste or smell
• Vomiting or diarrhea

2. Wash Hands Before Every Meal

Make handwashing part of the routine:

• Before eating or preparing food
• After using the restroom
• After blowing your nose or helping a child in the bathroom

Use warm water and soap, scrub for at least 20 seconds (about the length of “Happy Birthday” twice), and dry with a clean towel.

3. Don’t Share Drinks or Utensils

Even if everyone “feels fine,” viruses can spread before symptoms start. Avoid:

• Tasting from each other’s cups
• Sharing forks, spoons, or straws
• Double-dipping into shared dishes

4. Watch for Symptoms After Events

Many respiratory illnesses show up 3–5 days after exposure. Pay attention to:

• Fever or chills
• Cough, sore throat, congestion
• Body aches, fatigue, or headache
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

If symptoms develop, stay home from work, school, or social events and consider getting tested for flu, COVID, or strep, especially if you’ve been around high-risk individuals.

When Holiday Plans Include Illness: How Xpress Wellness Can Help

Even with the best precautions, someone may still get sick—that’s just reality. When that happens, having a trusted urgent care option can ease stress and get you back on track faster.

At Xpress Wellness Urgent Care, we understand that sickness doesn’t stick to a 9–5 schedule, especially during the holidays. That’s why we offer:

• Extended hours in the mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Same-day care for common illnesses such as:
  • Flu
  • Strep throat
  • COVID-19
  • RSV (especially important for infants and young children)
• On-site testing and treatment to help you get answers quickly
• Travel-related care, such as:
  • Pre-travel wellness evaluations
  • Help managing existing conditions while you’re away
  • Guidance on staying healthy during your trip

If you’re feeling unwell before a big trip, a quick visit can help you decide whether it’s safe to travel and what precautions to take. Getting checked early can also keep a mild illness from becoming something more serious.

Enjoy the Holidays—with a Healthier Plan

With a few smart habits—hydrating more, cleaning high-touch travel surfaces, focusing on hand hygiene, and staying home when sick—you can lower your risk of getting or spreading illness this holiday season. Pay attention to symptoms in the days after travel or gatherings, and don’t ignore warning signs that something more serious might be developing.

If illness does interfere with your plans, Xpress Wellness Urgent Care is here to help you feel better, faster. Visit your nearest Xpress Wellness clinic for convenient, compassionate care with extended hours designed for real life, not just business hours.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.