Avoid getting sick over the holiday with these tips

FOUNTAIN HILL, Pa. — ‘Tis the season for gathering, but an uninvited guest may show up in the form of a virus, health officials say.

Many people are getting together over the holidays just as cases of coronavirus, the flu, and RSV are on the rise.

A Lehigh Valley doctor said there are some ways to try and avoid getting sick during the holidays.

• COVID-19, the flu and RSV are on the rise just as the holidays are upon us
• Stress, overindulging and depression can all lower the immune system
• St. Luke's University Health Network's Dr. Jahre recommends staying active and hydrated to boost immunity

Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, St. Luke’s University Health Network’s senior vice president of Medical and Academic Affairs and section chief emeritus of Infectious Diseases, said it's a time to eat, drink and be merry, but it’s also a time to watch how much you do those things.

“The main thing in this type of situation is to consider moderation,” Jahre said.

“Because if we overeat or eat things that ordinarily we don't, and obviously, if we drink to any kind of excess and don't sleep because we're making merry, all of these things will affect our immune system and obviously will increase not only our likelihood of coming down with an illness, but will also prolong the illness if it does occur."

Jahre said stress can lower the immune system, as can depression. So he advises people to do what they can to combat both.

"Whether you have emotional stress or physical stress, you release both cortisol and adrenaline and what happens with these is your immune system suffers,” he said.

He suggested volunteering or finding a way to give back to boost the spirit.

He said staying active and hydrated can help, as well.

If someone is immunocompromised, Jahre added, he or she should wear a mask. And if someone does come down with something, he said, stay home.