Bold health habits make the holiday season safer and more enjoyable. As the festive period nears, many look forward to indulgent meals, warm gatherings, and well-deserved rest, but hidden health risks can creep in. Experts emphasize that safety should stay top of mind alongside celebration.
“Gathering with loved ones and sharing traditions is the heart of the season,” explains Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK. “Yet safety cannot be overlooked—especially when medicines and medical products are involved.”
With celebrations underway across Europe, health authorities share practical tips to stay healthy during the festivities. Here are five essential recommendations.
1) Be cautious with medicines and alcohol, and mindful of certain foods
Alcohol can interact with medicines in ways that are dangerous, increasing the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and accidents. This is particularly important for anyone who will be driving or using mobility devices.
Beyond alcohol, some traditional holiday foods can affect medication. For instance, people taking warfarin should avoid cranberries, according to the MHRA. Others on monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, a class of antidepressants, should watch out for tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses and dark chocolate.
2) Stop infections from spreading at festive venues
Holiday markets attract large crowds, which can accelerate the spread of viruses. Authorities in the Czech Republic have highlighted hepatitis A outbreaks as a concern during busy market periods. Hepatitis A spreads through close contact, contaminated food, water, or surfaces, so good hand hygiene and surface disinfection remain important even outdoors.
3) Keep home air clean by tending the fireplace properly
Fireplaces are a cozy holiday staple, but improper use can raise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and even seizures. Ensure all appliances connected to chimneys or flues are correctly installed and serviced.
ANSES recommends annual chimney inspections, limiting portable heater use to short intervals, and ventilating rooms for at least ten minutes daily to maintain air quality.
4) Be aware of skin-care products that could raise fire risk
Moisturizers and other skin creams are common, especially for dry winter skin. Residue from these products can transfer to fabrics and become highly flammable near flames or smoking materials. Regularly wash bedding and clothing at high temperatures to remove residue, and avoid letting creams dry on furniture or upholstery.
5) Get the flu shot early before gatherings
Public health authorities urge vaccination against influenza as soon as possible, given the season’s unusually early spread. After vaccination, it typically takes about two weeks for protection to build, so getting the shot well ahead of gatherings—especially when vulnerable individuals are present (pregnant people, older adults, young children)—is advisable.
If illness does develop, additional precautions can help. France’s public health guidance suggests wearing a mask, frequent handwashing, and ensuring good room ventilation if symptoms such as cough, fever, or runny nose appear.
Controversial note to consider: Some may question the necessity of strict dietary restrictions during the holidays. Yet the potential interactions between medicines and certain foods, along with infection and air-quality risks, underscore that small, proactive steps can prevent bigger health disruptions during a time meant for celebration.
What holiday-health tip would you add based on your own experiences or local guidelines? Share your thoughts in the comments to keep the conversation going.
