Holiday season brings joy… and germs, Norton Children’s says

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WNKY) — The holiday season brings families together around food, travel and celebration, but health experts say it also creates ideal conditions for germs to spread.

Dr. Daniel Blatt, a pediatric infectious disease physician at Norton Children’s Hospital, says the holidays coincide with the heart of cold and flu season, when people are more likely to gather indoors and travel long distances.

“People are covered in germs and there’s no avoiding that,” Blatt said. “Everyone’s going to gather in one place, and it’s really important to keep that in mind during holiday gatherings.”

Blatt says increased travel, crowded homes and seasonal decorations can all introduce germs that aren’t typically present throughout the year. Shoes tracked through the house, decorations pulled from attics and items handled by multiple people can all harbor bacteria and viruses — posing a risk, especially to vulnerable populations like infants, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

To reduce the risk of illness, Blatt emphasizes sticking to simple, consistent prevention habits.

“In general, most germs are removed by regular soap,” he said. “You can do soap and water, wash your hands for 30 seconds or so. You don’t normally need antibacterial soap. You don’t need a lot of fancy chemicals. Most of the time, good soap and water will clean your hands.”

Blatt recommends washing hands frequently, especially before eating and after touching high-contact surfaces like doorknobs, light switches and remote controls. He also advises covering coughs and sneezes with an elbow rather than hands and staying home when sick — even during the holidays.

Food safety is another concern during large gatherings. Blatt says dishes prepared outside the home should be handled carefully, leftovers should not sit out for extended periods and surfaces that come into contact with raw meat should be cleaned thoroughly.

In addition to hygiene and cleaning, Blatt says vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to reduce serious illness during the season. He encourages families to stay up to date on recommended vaccines, including the flu shot.

“The flu vaccine isn’t always perfect at preventing infection,” Blatt said, “But it’s great at keeping people out of the hospital.”

As families prepare to celebrate, Blatt says awareness and simple precautions can make a big difference.

“You want to keep your family safe,” he said. “So you’ve got to be mindful of all of that.”