As the winter months bring a set of challenges to the current pandemic, we also enter a season of a variety of holiday celebrations that traditionally encourage us to celebrate in large gatherings with friends and family. In a holiday season unlike any we’ve experienced, we see COVID-19 continuing to spread. The CDC reported that more than 11 million people in the U.S. have been infected, with more than 1 million infections occurring in just one week in mid-November.
Campus Health’s top priority is keeping you and your family healthy, which means it’s important to consider risks—big and small—when thinking about how to gather with family and friends during the holidays. While Thanksgiving has passed and we saw many cancel or shift to virtual celebrations, the winter holiday season is not over.
“Even a small gathering can carry some big risks,” said Cathy Putnam, clinic manager for Campus Health. “We recommend keeping in-person celebrations to only those people in your household and celebrating virtually with other family and friends. The CDC has advised against travel, and we support that as you consider celebrating other holidays this winter.”
And while most are equipped with the virtual means to gather, it can sometimes be challenging to make it fun. IU Health has compiled a list of activities that can be done virtually to spice up those online gatherings with friends and family.
- Scavenger hunt: Teams scour the house and web for seasonal clues. Examples of scavenger hunt prompts could include a pet dressed up in holiday clothes, a family photo gone wrong, a terrible present and more.
- Family recipe book: This time of year can often involve a whole lot of cooking, and it is one way we celebrate many heritages and learn more about each other. You can even reserve time during your virtual gathering for cooking demonstrations or cookoffs.
- Name that tune: Name that tune is a game where players race to identify a specific melody. You can give the classic game a modern twist by playing during your celebration. To play, ask teammates to either hum the tune or mute the microphone and sing the song. The other players must listen carefully or read lips to pinpoint the song. Even if you don’t celebrate the holidays in a traditional sense, this should add some laughs. You can add a festive twist to this by incorporating classic holiday songs.
Not only do we have the pandemic to consider, it’s also flu season. Putnam shared that it’s not too late to get your flu shot, and that the entire Campus Health team encourages you to do so. This year, it’s a requirement for students, faculty and staff at IUPUI, though there are some exemptions.
“Winter is a tough time already when it comes to our wellness, and we want to minimize risks of getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time,” Putnam said.
Flu shots will be available most days at the Tower Garage during mitigation testing. For more information or to schedule an appointment at Campus Health for a flu shot please call 317-274-8214.
Though this year’s holiday season will be different, we can help slow or stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community by working together. Don’t forget to wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, continue to practice physical distancing, and wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water frequently.