The holidays are a busy and stressful time of year with all kinds of weather and unfortunately, exchanging more than presents.
“Germs, viruses and bacteria spread a lot easier this time of the year,” Jonathan Valentino of Institute Hill Pharmacy says. “Everybody is using the same doors. We are inside more this time of year. Everything spreads a lot quicker because you are closer to each other.”
Valentino recommends taking care of yourself this holiday season through precautions like getting a flu shot. Many people die yearly due to the flu, with the very young and very old most vulnerable.
If you do get sick, be prepared to show identification when purchasing certain medications due to some people abusing them to create narcotics.
“Sudafed is a decongestant so if you’re all plugged up in the nasal passages and you need something, you need to ask the pharmacy counter if you can get it,” he said. “Make sure you have your driver’s license because you won’t get it without it.”
Pneumonia shots are also available. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Written By: Ryan Saeler
Photo by NHSE
