As the holiday season approaches, families across Beaumont are excited to gather and celebrate. However, this time of year also coincides with flu season, which brings added health risks, particularly during large family gatherings. Beaumont Emergency Hospital is here to help you stay healthy and safe while enjoying the holiday festivities.
Preventing Flu at Family Gatherings
Thanksgiving marks the start of gatherings with loved ones, but it also increases the risk of spreading viruses like the flu. The flu spreads easily through respiratory droplets, making it important to take precautions, especially around vulnerable family members such as children, seniors, and those with chronic conditions.
Steps to Protect Your Family:
- Get Vaccinated: A flu shot is highly recommended as the first line of defense. While it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, those with underlying health conditions should consult their doctors first (AllEvents; Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau).
- Practice Good Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing and use hand sanitizers around the house. This simple action can help prevent the spread of germs.
- Limit Contact When Sick: If someone in your family shows flu-like symptoms, it’s best for them to stay home to avoid putting others at risk.
Public Spaces and Holiday Events in Beaumont
Holiday events like visiting the theater or enjoying public venues are popular during this season, but these spaces can also be hotspots for flu transmission. If you’re planning to attend any local events, consider these precautions:
- Wear a Mask: Masks can help reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses in crowded areas.
- Choose Off-Peak Hours: If possible, visit theaters or venues during times when fewer people are present.
- Maintain Physical Distance: Keeping some distance, even in public spaces, helps minimize exposure to germs.
For those looking for holiday events in Beaumont, you can enjoy special engagements at the Julie Rogers Theatre and the Jefferson Theatre.
Flying During the Holidays: Staying Safe
Traveling during the holidays? Here are some important tips to help you avoid getting sick while flying:
- Sanitize Regularly: Keep hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching high-contact surfaces.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps maintain your immune system and overall health while traveling (Trip.com).
- Avoid Touching Your Face: This will help reduce the chances of germs entering your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Fast PCR Testing at Beaumont Emergency Hospital
If you suspect that you or a family member have the flu or another respiratory illness, Beaumont Emergency Hospital offers fast PCR testing for the flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory diseases. This means you can get seen fast, be diagnosed fast, and leave with a clear course of action. Our Board-Certified Emergency Physicians are available 24/7, 365 Days, even on Thanksgiving and Christmas, to ensure you and your family have access to the care you need. We are committed to helping families in Beaumont stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season safely.
If flu symptoms arise or you’re unsure whether it’s the flu or COVID, our advanced diagnostic services can quickly determine the cause, providing peace of mind and a tailored treatment plan. Visit us any time during the holidays—we’re here when you need us most.
Works Cited
AllEvents. “Events & Things To Do in Beaumont, TX in November 2024.” AllEvents.in, www.allevents.in/beaumont/november.
Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Beaumont, TX Events Calendar | Festivals, Exhibits & Concerts.” Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.beaumontcvb.com/events.
Symphony of Southeast Texas. “Symphony of Southeast Texas.” Beaumont Events TX, 2024, www.beaumonteventstx.com/symphony-of-southeast-texas.