When good food meets close quarters, germs get invited too.

Turkey, pie, travel, family hugs—it’s the season for gathering. Unfortunately, it’s also the season when colds, flu, RSV, and COVID love to crash the party. Every year, urgent care centers across the DMV see a big bump in visits between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Here’s why—and what you can do to keep your family and friends All Better through the holidays.

Why Illness Spikes Around Thanksgiving

1. We travel

Planes, trains, and packed cars are ideal spots for germs to hitch a ride. Dry cabin air, recycled ventilation, and close seating all make it easier for viruses to spread.

2. We gather indoors

Once temperatures drop, windows close and people crowd together. Closed windows and close quarters equal more exposure. One coughing cousin can quickly turn into ten stuffy noses.

3. We relax our routines

Late nights, rich foods, and disrupted sleep weaken your immune system. Add stress from travel or hosting, and you’ve got a perfect storm for getting sick.

4. We forget the basics

Between stuffing turkeys and shopping sales, simple habits like handwashing, staying hydrated, and cleaning high-touch surfaces tend to fall off the list.

How to Stay Healthy and Still Enjoy the Feast

Get your vaccines early.

Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines can all lower your risk of serious illness. It takes about two weeks for your immunity to develop, so don’t wait. Now’s the time to roll up your sleeve.

Keep your immune system happy.

• Prioritize rest. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night.

• Drink plenty of water, not just cider, coffee and other beverages.

• Eat a few veggies alongside that delicious pumpkin pie.

• Keep stress in check with short walks or mindful breaks.

Practice smart hygiene.

Wash your hands before meals, after traveling, shopping, and touching shared surfaces. Keep hand sanitizer nearby in your bag or car.

Be mindful if you’re feeling off.

If you’re coughing, feverish, or achy, skip the gathering and prevent exposing others. A quick test or telehealth visit can help keep your family and friends safe.

Pro tip: When you’re traveling, pack a small health kit—thermometer, pain relievers, saline spray, masks, sanitizer, and your medications (plus extras).

Holiday Travel Health Tips

Wipe down tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles.

Use a saline spray before/after flights to combat dry air.

Snack smarter (protein and produce) and sip water on the go.

Set a phone reminder to take meds time-zone-proof.

When to Visit the Doctor vs. Waiting It Out

If symptoms come on fast or you’re unsure what you’re fighting, tru Primary & Urgent Care is here to help.

Walk in or book an appointment for:

• Suspected flu, COVID, RSV, or strep (we can test & treat)

• Fever, body aches, sore throat, or persistent cough

• Ear or sinus infections

• Dehydration or fatigue

• Travel-related illness

Important: If you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe dehydration—call 911 or visit the ER.

Stay All Better—All Holiday Season Long

A healthy Thanksgiving is a happy Thanksgiving. Get vaccinated, stay hydrated, and keep tru Primary and Urgent Care on your radar.  

With eight convenient DMV locations across Maryland and Northern Virginia, tru Primary & Urgent Care is here for you—before, during, and after the holiday rush.

Because nothing should spoil your feast—not even the Thanksgiving bug.