Tips for safe and healthy holidays

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. – Tips from El Dorado County Public Health on how residents and visitors can stay safe and healthy over the holidays.

“The change in season and upcoming holidays prompt gatherings and behaviors that increase many health and safety risks,” said El Dorado County Health Officer, Dr. Nancy Williams. “Taking simple preventive measures can reduce the chances of the holidays being ruined by things like improperly cooked turkeys, drunk driving, or respiratory infections, and can also ensure everyone stays safe.”

Williams recommends the following basic health and safety tips for the holidays:

Understand and practice safe food preparation (to avoid gastrointestinal infections)

Assign a designated driver before consuming alcohol away from home (or use public transportation or a ride-hailing service)

Wash hands frequently (to avoid infections like norovirus)

Be aware of dangers and exercise care with regard to children’s toys, cooking, Christmas trees, hanging outdoor lights, etc.

Keep current on vaccinations to avoid illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19

Stay away from other people when ill (to keep them safe).