Mayo Clinic Minute: Preventive strategies for a healthy holiday season

As the holiday season begins, it's also the season of flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The southern parts of the U.S. are currently observing higher rates of RSV and influenza. Mayo Clinic experts expect the northern half of the country will start to see higher rates of these viruses over the course of the next few weeks and months. As the holiday season approaches and more people will be gathering to celebrate in large groups, it's important to remember the preventive strategies that can protect you and your loved ones from these respiratory viruses.

In this Mayo Clinic Minute, Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Microbiology Molecular Lab and co-director of the Clinical Virology Lab at Mayo Clinic, explains the multipronged approach he recommends for preventing and reducing viral infections during the holiday season.

If you do feel sick, it's better to have a case of FOMO, or fear of missing out, than risk exposing others to your illness.

Another strategy to consider is testing for COVID-19, the flu and RSV before traveling or attending gatherings.

Finally, don't forget to wash your hands before and after getting together with people, especially when food is involved.
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