Simple advice to avoid the flu this Christmas and have a healthy holiday season

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, cold and flu germs were stirring — and your cousin's kid just coughed right in your mouth.

There has probably been a similar version of this take on the classic Christmas poem A Visit From St. Nicholas in a cheeky cough syrup commercial at some point, instilling the fear that you could fall ill over the holidays.

But 'tis the season to get sick — and for families and friends to pass around bugs like unwanted gifts.

“This time of year, when we are all gathering for the holidays with our loved ones, including young and old, it is an important moment for everyone to take care of each other,” said Dr. Natasha Crowcroft, Canada’s acting chief public health officer, in a statement last week.

Canada is currently experiencing a surge in flu cases, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), one that's hitting earlier than previous years. And according to PHAC, the dominant strain of influenza circulating, H3N2, is more likely to cause severe illness — especially among seniors and young children.

Doctors and health officials say getting vaccinated is the best line of defence, but there are other steps we can take to stay healthy.

So before you pack up the family and head from one celebration to another, here are some helpful tips to help have a flu-free holiday.

Being around groups of people is going to increase your chances of getting sick, says Toronto pharmacist Deanna Kang.

That's why it's even more important to take precautions to avoid coming into contact with viruses, she said.

Viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, infect your nose throat and lungs, either through breathing in saliva or mucous particles — if someone who's sick sneezes or coughs on you, for example.

But you can also get infected by rubbing your eyes, nose or mouth after touching surfaces with infected particles on them, as well as through shaking hands or passing an object (as this cute but ominous TikTok video below warns).

PHAC recommends washing your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds.

Hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol is a good substitute when you don't have access to soap and water. Just be sure to rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds or until they're dry.