Got holiday FOMO? 7 ways to stay healthy so you can enjoy the festive season

December 12, 2024 at 12:01 PM EST

(BPT) - Nobody wants to feel sick during the holiday season. From the hustle and bustle of office parties, school programs, holiday concerts, parades and gatherings with loved ones, the festivities are endless. But just as our calendars fill up, cold and flu season hits, creating a perfect storm of germs when we most want to stay healthy.

It's enough to give anyone a serious case of holiday FOMO. It's the "fear of missing out" on holiday parties, activities and celebrations because you've caught a bug.

Adorable child in overalls with wearing raindeer ears while he and his parents decorate the Christmas Tree.

Walgreens recently commissioned KRC Research to conduct a survey into holiday FOMO and found that if you're feeling it, you're not alone. According to the survey, 51% of Gen Z and 36% of millennials are worried they'll miss a holiday event this year because of an unexpected illness, which isn't surprising considering 70% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials have missed events in the past because they caught a bug.

Younger woman hugging her grandmother at a family gathering with other people and a Christmas tree in the background.

That's why the vast majority of those two groups, 89% of Gen Z and 87% of millennials, plan to put additional effort into prioritizing their health and well-being this holiday season. In fact, one in five respondents of all ages reported they're planning to adopt a full health and wellness routine during the holiday season this year.

Mother and small child curl up on the floor next to the Christmas tree with lights and packages all around.

Looking to navigate the germ gauntlet and stay healthy? The experts at Walgreens share seven tips to keep you well throughout the holidays.

Make sure your vaccines are up to date. Vaccines are the number one way to protect against respiratory illnesses and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. And don't be afraid to double or triple up! Walgreens makes it simple for you and your family to get all the vaccines you need in one visit, and is offering flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccination appointments nationwide.¹ Walk in to your local pharmacy, use the Walgreens app, visit Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine or call 1-800-WALGREENS.

Eat right. Sticking to a healthy, balanced diet at this time of year can seem like a holiday miracle with all the deliciousness available at every turn. You don't have to forgo all the sweet treats and savory dishes. Indulge a little! Just make sure you're balancing it with healthy salads, veggies, fruits, protein and fiber.

Consider if supplements are right for you. Vitamin D and Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and a good probiotic can help keep your gut healthy, which helps with holiday overindulgence and can be an immune system boost. Confused about what to take? Your Walgreens pharmacist can offer guidance. They're the experts in prescription and OTC drugs and supplements. Just ask! They're happy to help.

Get enough sleep. A good night's sleep seems to fix almost anything, right? Making sure you get enough rest helps your body ward off illness as well. Amid the festivities, try to prioritize your sleep so you're ready to tackle the next day, whether it's holiday shopping or attending your child's school program. Consider self-care with products like Walgreens Lavender Epsom Salt, Walgreens Multipurpose Vibration Therapy Wrap or Walgreens Sleep Aid De-Stress Gummies to help unwind.

Manage stress. Not easy to do at any time of the year, nearly impossible around the holidays. Some easy ways to manage stress: Choose a theme for your holiday gift giving by getting everyone cozy pajamas and slippers, or family-friendly games, or even health and well-being essentials they can use year-round. That way you'll have one-stop shopping and your list is slayed. Also cut down on running around doing errands. At Walgreens, you can pick up many of these gifts, holiday cards, wrapping paper, stocking stuffers, a new lipstick for your holiday party and all your prescriptions in one fell swoop. Customers may also take advantage of holiday shopping conveniences like Same Day Refill for eligible prescriptions, 30-minute in-store Pickup, or 1-hour Delivery all season long.² One and done. Another stress buster? Exercise. Make some time for it, even if it's just a walk on a snowy evening.

Stock up on OTC medications. If you or your family comes down with a bug despite your best efforts, having medications on hand can help you feel better faster without having to run to the store. Stock your medicine cabinet with cough syrup for you and the kids, antihistamines, mucus fighters, pain relievers and other OTC medications that can help ease your symptoms and shorten colds. Not sure what to get? Your Walgreens pharmacist can help in person or via Pharmacy Chat.

If you're sick, stay home. Don't risk passing your illness on to others. Stay home and curl up with a holiday movie and a cup of tea. If you suspect you have the flu or COVID-19, Walgreens offers an easy combination test for both, with results in 30 minutes or less.

Don't miss out on the magic of the season because you're feeling unwell. With a little planning and effort, you can keep yourself healthy to enjoy the holidays with friends and family.

[1] Vaccines subject to availability. State, age and health-related restrictions may apply.

[2] Exclusions and restrictions apply. See Walgreens.com for details.

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Got holiday FOMO? 7 ways to stay healthy so you can enjoy the festive season

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