How Not to Give or Get COVID for Christmas

No one wants to be sick for the holidays! Gathering with friends and family during the holidays can spread more than just good cheer; some guests could unknowingly pass along a viral illness like COVID (and flu, RSV and measles). 

Fortunately, there are concrete actions you can take to reduce the risk.

Be considerate. This is a season for kindness and generosity; extend that care to others’ health as well.

• Stay home if you’re feeling sick or testing positive 
• Stay home if you’ve been in contact with anyone else who is ill or testing positive
• Prevent household spread
• Get vaccinated to reduce the severity of illness. Vaccination does not entirely prevent transmission of the virus.
  

Be informed and aware. Here’s what you need to know about COVID in December 2025:

• The pandemic is not over. SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) continues to circulate, causing significant illness and death around the world.
• SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID) is an airborne virus, exhaled by an infected person who may not even feel or appear sick. (About half of COVID transmission is presymptomatic or asymptomatic). Even after an infected person has left the room, the COVID virus can linger in the air for hours. 
• COVID is not “just a cold.” The initial infection may appear “mild,” but its consequences can be significant and life-altering, regardless of the age of the infected child or adult. Even asymptomatic infections can have long-term repercussions. 
• Long COVID remains a risk: it can follow infections of any severity, including mild or asymptomatic cases, and may lead to prolonged, multisystem health problems. The more times you catch COVID, the more damage can accumulate, with the overall risks of long-COVID and other health issues increasing with each reinfection.
• Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, can be infected and spread the virus.

Be proactive. There are physical measures you can take to stop transmission.

• Wear a well-fitted respirator mask (N95) to protect against airborne pathogens.
• Be particularly careful during air travel; remain masked for the entirety of the flight and through airports.
• Wash your hands (helps prevent other illnesses like norovirus and flu).
• Avoid crowded spaces.
• Improve ventilation by opening windows.
• Clean indoor air with HEPA filters.
• Use a COVID test before and after gatherings or potential exposure. Test frequently and be aware of false negative results.
• Meet outside when possible.
• Opt for smaller gatherings.
• Encourage others to take precautions, such as masking, especially in the weeks leading up to the gathering.
• Have everyone agree to the mitigation measures.

With these considerations for a COVID-conscious Christmas, you can enjoy each other’s company knowing that you’ve done your utmost to protect one another.