Detroit, Michigan, November 26, 2025
As the holiday season approaches, health experts in Detroit are urging families to take preventive measures against stomach viruses and the flu. Key recommendations include getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance, and staying informed about local health advisories. These steps are essential for reducing the risk of illness during festive gatherings and keeping loved ones safe.
Detroit, Michigan – As the holiday season approaches, health experts emphasize the importance of protecting families from stomach viruses and the flu. Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of illness during this time.
Key Preventive Measures
- Get Vaccinated: Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of flu-related illnesses and complications.
- Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Maintain Physical Distancing: Keep a physical distance of at least 1 meter from others, particularly in crowded indoor settings, to reduce the spread of viruses.
- Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands.
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, countertops, and electronics, to prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent transferring germs from surfaces to your body.
- Stay Home When Sick: If you experience symptoms of stomach viruses or the flu, stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others.
Additional Tips
- Boost Your Immune System: Ensure a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, engage in regular exercise, and get adequate sleep to strengthen your immune system.
- Limit Contact with Sick Individuals: If someone in your household is ill, minimize close contact and avoid sharing personal items to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with local health advisories and flu activity in your area to take appropriate precautions.
By following these guidelines, families can better protect themselves and their loved ones from stomach viruses and the flu during the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to prevent the flu?
The most effective method to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine each year.
How often should I wash my hands to prevent illness?
It’s important to wash your hands regularly throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing. Each hand wash should last at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Can I still get the flu if I have been vaccinated?
While the flu vaccine is highly effective, it’s possible to contract the flu after vaccination. However, the vaccine can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. It’s also important to note that the flu vaccine does not protect against stomach viruses.
What should I do if I get sick during the holiday season?
If you experience symptoms of the flu or a stomach virus, it’s advisable to stay home to prevent spreading the illness to others. Rest, stay hydrated, and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist.
How can I boost my immune system during the winter months?
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, engaging in regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep are key factors in strengthening your immune system during the winter months.
Key Features of This Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Detroit, Michigan |
| Focus | Preventing stomach viruses and the flu during the holiday season |
| Key Preventive Measures | Vaccination, hand hygiene, physical distancing, respiratory hygiene, surface cleaning, avoiding face touching, staying home when sick |
| Additional Tips | Boosting immune system, limiting contact with sick individuals, staying informed |
| FAQ Topics | Flu prevention, hand washing frequency, flu vaccine effectiveness, actions when sick, boosting immune system |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
