Dr. Brown’s five tips to a healthy holiday season

Dr. Shira Brown, BMT MD CCFP(EM) FCFP EMBA, is the Corporate Chief of Emergency Medicine at William Osler Health System (Osler). After achieving her medical degree at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Brown completed her Family Medicine Residency at the University of Toronto, and her EMBA at Brown University and IE Business School. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University and Toronto Metropolitan University.

The holidays are almost here! William Osler Health System’s Dr. Brown, shares her tips to help you prepare for a healthy holiday season:

Wash or sanitize your hands often

During the holidays, we get together more often, and touch more surfaces, like door handles, elevator buttons, where viruses can live for 24 to 48 hours. To help prevent infection, wash or sanitize your hands frequently throughout the day, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Get your flu and COVID-19 shot

Check with your family physician or pharmacist and make sure you and your family are up to date with all your vaccinations. While it's best to get the vaccine early, it is never too late – protection is still beneficial even if you get vaccinated later in the season.

Plan and be prepared

It is important to know the holiday hours for your family doctor, local walk-in clinic and pharmacy. Discuss your care plan with your care team and know how to reach them. Refill your prescriptions and medical supplies ahead of the holidays.

Know where to go for care in the community

Depending on the seriousness of your symptoms, available care options include family doctors, nurse practitioners, Virtual Urgent Care, Osler’s Urgent Care Centre at Peel Memorial and Emergency Departments.

If you have a medical emergency, or aren’t sure, always go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 immediately.

Stay home if you are sick

The holidays are the time for family and friends – however, as much as we enjoy seeing others, if you are not feeling well, stay home and get rest to help your recovery and not spread germs and viruses. Your friends and family will understand and appreciate you keeping them safe as well!