Public Health Hot Topic | Happy and healthy holidays

Public health tips about respiratory illness prevention, food safety, and mental health resources.

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

As the holidays approach, we want to take a moment to remember some healthy habits to ensure you enjoy the most out of this season!

Gather Safely: Tips to Prevent Respiratory Illnesses

Each year, respiratory illnesses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States. Respiratory illnesses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and RSV often surge during the holidays. We are expecting a severe flu season this year. The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.

Based on data from other countries, there is concern that one of the flu viruses has changed enough to make it significantly different from the strain chosen for this year’s flu vaccine. It is important to remember that no matter which strains of flu circulate here, the current flu vaccine covers several strains and still offers the best protection from developing serious illness and hospitalization. Getting your updated vaccines before holiday gatherings will shield you against the worst of the flu illness. If you or a loved one tests positive for the flu, seeking early treatment from a medical provider to get prescription antivirals can reduce the severity of the illness.

The best protection against respiratory illnesses is vaccination. Vaccines can prevent the worst symptoms and help keep you out of the hospital if you do become sick. If you have questions about any of the vaccines, please don’t hesitate to reach out and speak with your healthcare provider or one of our public health nurses.  Other ways to stay safe from respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV are:

• Stay home when you are sick. If you have any of the following symptoms, stay home until you feel better: fever, sore throat, cough, sneezing, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Consider masking. If you must go out while you are sick or if you are visiting a vulnerable family member, consider wearing a well-fitting mask to protect those around you. People are considered vulnerable if they are under six months old or over sixty years old, or someone who is likely to become severely ill with an illness that may seem mild to others.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Put your used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands immediately.
  • Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and water. If there is no soap available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses.
  • Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

A Note on Bird Flu

Bird flu is back in the headlines. In November 2025, a Washington resident in Grays Harbor County was confirmed to be infected with avian influenza. This is the first known human case of this particular strain (H5N5). While public health experts say that the risk to the general public remains low, people with exposure to wild or domestic birds (especially backyard flocks) should be extra cautious.

If you own poultry, knowing key prevention practices to ensure your health and the health of your family and flock is important. Biosecurity refers to the steps we can take to keep diseases away from poultry and people. For more information about how to keep your flock healthy, follow the guidelines on this poster and this website.

Keep the Feast Safe: Food Safety Tips

Feasting with family is part of many holiday celebrations. Follow these tips to reduce the chance of foodborne illness:

• Keep foods separated. Keep meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs separate from all other foods at the grocery store and in the refrigerator. Prevent juices from meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood from dripping or leaking onto other foods by keeping them in containers or sealed plastic bags. Store eggs in their original carton in the main compartment of the refrigerator.
• Cook food thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, and eggs have been cooked to a safe internal temperature to kill germs. Some meats (like roasts, chops, steaks, and fresh ham) should rest for 3 minutes after you remove them from the oven or grill.
• Keep food out of the “danger zone.” Germs can grow rapidly in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. After food is prepared, keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Refrigerate or freeze perishable food like meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, eggs, cut fruit, cooked rice, and leftovers within 2 hours (1 hour if food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, such as in a hot car). The temperature in your refrigerator should be set at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below.
• Know that raw flour, dairy, and eggs can have germs. Uncooked dough and batter made with flour or eggs can contain harmful germs, such as E. coli and Salmonella. Raw (unpasteurized) dairy can also contain harmful germs.
• Thaw your turkey safely. Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water (change the water every 30 minutes), or in the microwave. Do not thaw turkey or other foods on the counter. If you thaw your turkey in the sink, be sure to thoroughly clean the sink when you are done.
• Wash your hands often. Before, during, and after food prep wash with soap and warm water.

Some family and friends may be at higher risk for serious food poisoning. Take steps to help prevent them from getting sick this holiday season by choosing safer food options for adults over 65, children under 5, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Mental Health Reminders

The holidays can be joyful, but they can also be a time of high stress, loneliness, or grief. These feelings are normal and you are not alone. If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it is important to seek help and know that treatment is available.

• In a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.  
• Call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. 988 Lifeline services are available in Spanish, along with interpretation services in over 240 languages and dialects.  If you’re deaf, hard of hearing, or use TTY, you can use your preferred relay service. You can also dial 711 and then 988.
• Recovery Navigator Program supports individuals with substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders by providing community-based outreach, assisting individuals with case management, and connecting them with other services as needed. NO INSURANCE REQUIRED. Call 300-200-7660.
• Mental Health Crisis Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the 24-Hour Mental Health Care Crisis Line (toll-free) at 1-800-584-3578.
• Skagit County Crisis Center provides mental health crisis triage and subacute detoxification services. Call 360-757-7738.

Wishing You a Safe, Healthy, and Joyful Holiday Season

We hope these tips help you make the most of this special time of year. We’re here to support you with reliable, evidence-based information, resources, and services all year round. We are proud to be your local public health department.

About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services  

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.