From Saint Louis University Medical Center:

The holidays are here and with them family, friends, parties and germs. This year, in light of the H1N1 outbreak, many fear that the most wonderful time of the year will end up being the unhealthiest, too.

“While crowded shopping malls and holiday parties certainly increase our risk of getting sick this time of year, there are many precautions you can take to stay healthy,” said Gillian Stephens, M.D., assistant professor of family and community medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Here are Stephen’s top 10 strategies for protecting yourself and your family during the holidays.

WHILE AT THE PARTY
1. Keep your distance – For many, the holidays are about being close to family and friends, but Stephens recommends not getting too close. Cold and flu germs are spread through water droplets from your mouth and nose. By staying three to six feet away from other guests – especially those who appear to be sick – you can decrease your risk of getting sick. Before giving grandma a hug, Stephens also recommends turning your face to avoid close face-to-face contact.

Flu germs also can live on many surfaces for up to 48 hours, so beware of common shared items such as the telephone, remote control, door handles and utensils.

2. Wash your hands frequently – The best cold and flu is the one you never catch. To avoid getting sick, frequently wash your hands with warm water and soap or hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your eyes and nose. Stephens recommends carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket for convenience.

Hand sanitizing is especially important for small children who tend to put things in their mouths and touch each other.