It’s about that time of year when families start getting together and celebrating the holidays. Traveling to see loved ones is very exciting, but what isn’t exciting is the possibility of getting sick while you’re there. Or worse- bringing a nasty bug to others without you knowing it! That’s a gift that no one wants to give or receive. Luckily there’s some ways you can reduce the chances of that happening, and St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care is here to tell you how.

  • Don’t forget your travel medication: If you know you’re prone to picking up the sniffles, or if you have prescription medication you need to take, be sure to get your usual medicines refilled or replaced before you travel. Ensuring you have your medicine when you need it is important so you can feel healthy and ready to enjoy your time with your loved ones.
  • Keep a first aid kit handy: Another good thing to pack is a first aid kit. If you know your family is going to be out and about and are active, there’s a chance that someone is going to get a scrapped knee or a cut. When that happens, a first aid kit can come in handy to make sure it’s cleaned and patched up quickly.
  • Wash your hands frequently: Washing your hands regularly, especially after touching a bunch of surfaces when you’re traveling, will help prevent you from picking up bugs that others have left behind. When lots of people have gathered in one place, spreading germs around is simple, so washing your hands will give you a little extra protection.
  • Hydrate before your migrate: Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water is also a great way to help you stay healthy. While you may drink a lot of water at home, when you’re traveling to visit others, you may forget to drink as much as you normally would. This could leave you more vulnerable to infections. So, making sure you have enough water will help keep you from getting sick.
  • Schedule your flu vaccine: Getting your flu shot before holiday travels is crucial to protect both yourself and those around you. The flu can spread easily in crowded travel settings, such as airports and public transportation, and it can also be passed on to family and friends during holiday gatherings. By getting vaccinated, you reduce the risk of falling ill and potentially spreading the flu, helping to ensure a healthier and happier holiday season for everyone. At St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care, flu vaccines are available for ages 4 and up.

Savor the season, trust us with your health! 

The good news is, even if you do happen to catch something before traveling or during time with your loved ones, St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care is here to help you! We treat minor illnesses such as the flu, cold, cough, and more. Plus, our on-site labs have rapid testing with same day results for Covid, RSV, flu and strep. So, if you think you might be coming down with something, visit St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care so you can quickly hop on the road to recovery and ensure your holiday season stays fun (and healthy)! Walk in at any time or book your check in time online. You can learn more about St. Joseph’s/Candler Urgent Care on our website, or by contacting us.