Bold takeaway: the holiday season brings joy and togetherness, but without careful attention to health and safety, festive routines can quietly undermine well-being. This rewrite preserves the core ideas and key details while presenting them in fresh wording, with added clarity and practical illustrations for beginners. And it invites discussion on where opinions might diverge.
Keeping healthy through the holidays: expert guidance you can actually use
As winter celebrations approach, many anticipate indulgent meals, cherished family moments, and well-deserved downtime. Yet the season also carries health risks that often go unnoticed.
Dr. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom, emphasizes the social warmth of the holidays while urging vigilance with medicines and medical products. “The festive season is a time to come together, share traditions, and make lasting memories,” she notes. “But it’s important we don’t forget safety—especially around medicines and medical products.”
Across Europe, health authorities arerolling out practical tips to stay healthy amid the celebrations. Here are five expert recommendations.
1) Don’t mix medicines with alcohol or certain foods
Alcohol can interact with medicines in ways that are dangerous, the MHRA warns. Such interactions can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and an increased risk of accidents. This is especially important to consider if driving is involved or if using powered mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters.
Beyond alcohol, some festive foods can interact with medications too. For instance, people taking warfarin to prevent or treat blood clots should avoid cranberries, according to the MHRA. Additionally, tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses and dark chocolate can be problematic for individuals taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants.
2) Prevent infections at Christmas markets
Markets and other seasonal gatherings draw large crowds, which can accelerate the spread of viruses. Health officials in the Czech Republic have highlighted rising hepatitis A activity in connection with crowded markets. Hepatitis A spreads mainly through close contact, contaminated food or water, and shared surfaces. Even outdoor markets carry risk, so frequent handwashing and surface disinfection remain important while enjoying festive outings.
3) Maintain good air quality by caring for your fireplace
Many households enjoy fireplaces in the cold months, but poor maintenance can raise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) warns that improper setup of flue-connected appliances—or devices that burn wood, coal, or gas—can lead to CO buildup. Signs of poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and seizures.
ANSES advises: have chimneys inspected annually, limit portable heaters to two hours of use at a time, and ventilate rooms for at least 10 minutes daily, even when it’s chilly.
4) Know that skin creams can add fire risk
Moisturizers are common for dry or itchy skin, but residues from these creams can transfer to clothing and bedding, making fabrics more flammable. The MHRA cautions that fabrics contaminated with cream residue can ignite quickly if exposed to flames from smoking, candles, or open flames.
If using these creams, wash bedding and clothing at high temperatures to remove residue and prevent buildup on fabrics like sofa cushions.
5) Get your flu vaccine ahead of gatherings
Public health authorities recommend getting flu vaccination early in the season, especially since the flu has appeared earlier than usual this year. After vaccination, it typically takes about two weeks for immunity to develop. Getting inoculated well before holiday gatherings is especially prudent when around vulnerable groups such as pregnant people, older adults, or young children.
Additional precautions: if symptoms such as cough, fever, or a runny nose develop, consider wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and ensuring good ventilation in enclosed spaces.
Contemporary note and invitation for discussion
These guidelines reflect current public health thinking and real-world safety considerations for the holiday period. Some recommendations may feel conservative or provoke debate—especially around balancing safety with tradition and personal choice. Which tips do you find most practical for your celebrations, and where would you draw the line? Share your thoughts in the comments to spark a constructive conversation about making holidays healthier for everyone.
