Posted on: Dec 9, 2021 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Christmas and COVID-19: 5 Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy this Festive Season

Christmas and COVID-19: 5 Tips to Stay Safe and Healthy this Festive Season

Christmas is all about beautifully decorated Christmas trees, pretty lights, delicious plum cakes, gifts, and merrymaking. And it is just around the corner! But this time, it is important to keep COVID-19 related safety protocols in mind to enjoy a safe and memorable Christmas and holiday season. As the novel coronavirus continues to mutate and spread in different countries around the world, you must take utmost care of yourself and your loved ones especially while travelling and attending celebrations. Also, make sure you cover your family with a family health insurance for those uncertain times. A Mediclaim policy takes care of your hospital bills and keeps stress and financial woes at bay during emergencies.

Health risks during the holidays

Although the festive season is the perfect time to get together with near and dear ones and party merrily, this is also the time when many accidents and health hazards happen. And keeping the novel coronavirus in mind, it is important to celebrate this fun season in a COVID-safe way. Here’s a look at the health risks that you might face during the holidays:

• Easy spread of infections: Large get-togethers, travelling in public transport modes, and coming in close contact with affected people can often result in the quick spread of infections. This is particularly true for the novel coronavirus, which is highly contagious.

• Food poisoning: This is that time of the year when we eat out often and gorge on a lot of unhealthy foods. Hence, acidity, nausea and an upset stomach are quite common during the holidays.

• Stress: Planning parties or trips during the holiday season can elevate stress levels, especially now when you need to plan these keeping the novel coronavirus in mind.

• Weight gain: Mindless consumption of alcoholic drinks and high-calorie foods can result in weight gain and associated health issues during the festive season.

Considering the health risks that you and your loved ones might face during the festive season and later, taking a Mediclaim policy is important. A health plan will help you opt for the best treatment without fretting about the hospital bills.

Basic COVID-19 prevention tips

Follow these tips to stay safe and keep others safe too.

• Practice social distancing

• Wear a mask whenever you step out

• Avoid large gatherings at parties and public places

• Avoid poorly ventilated spaces

• Minimize physical contact like handshakes and hugs

• Do not touch surfaces like doorknobs, tables, chairs, etc.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially when you come back home from outside, after coughing and sneezing, before preparing and consuming food, and after using the washroom

• Use hand sanitizer often in public places

• Consume a nutritious diet

• Take important supplements

5 tips to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection

Here are a few things you can do to make your holidays a happy one:

1. Plan a small get-together:

If you are planning a party or get-together, call only close family members and friends. You can also plan different get-togethers for family and friends to prevent crowding. Also, make sure all guests sanitize their hands properly before entering the party venue.

2. Choose a big and well-ventilated space:

This is important to check the spread of the virus. The virus droplets usually linger for long in poorly ventilated spaces. Plan an outdoor gathering if possible. Also, space out the chairs and tables to avoid crowded seating.

3. Stay home if sick:

In case you’re not feeling well, stay home and take good rest. Planning a party or attending parties can deteriorate your health further, something you will not want during the holiday season. Include lots of nutritious foodslike fruits, veggies, lean proteins and fibrein your diet to strengthen your immune system.

4. Do not travel to high-risk places:

While the holiday season is a good time to travel, avoid places with a high number of COVID-19 infections. You can plan a staycation instead to avoid air and rail travel.

5. Take the vaccine:

This is probably the most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. Even if you get infected after taking the jab, the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation will be very low.

Conclusion

These are some simple yet important tips to keep in mind for a COVID-safe festive season.Since parties and gatherings in confined spaces present a significant risk, you must take care of your hand and respiratory hygiene. Also, avoid close and prolonged contact with people even if you are vaccinated. Last but not the least, take a- Mediclaim policy for yourself and your loved ones if you haven’t taken one already. A health plan will assure financial security in case of hospitalisation and help you opt for timely treatment.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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