How to protect your guests from gastro and COVID this Christmas

For many people, December and January are the most social times of the year, with Christmas gatherings, holiday parties, and long-awaited catch-ups happening at the same time.

And when you mix a lot with other people, there is always a risk of spreading an infectious virus.

Gastroenteritis – better known as “gastro” – can spread, meaning bouts of vomiting and diarrhea.

And respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19 and the common cold can lead to runny noses, coughs and sore throats.

The days of self-isolation and COVID restrictions are over. We must now rely on people doing the right thing to prevent the spread of the disease.

Here’s a common-sense guide to keeping you and your loved ones safe during the holidays.

Communicate with your guests

“It’s the festive season, enjoy your holidays with your loved ones,” says Nusrat Homaira, associate professor at the University of New South Wales School of Clinical Medicine.

“Infections are part of our lives, we must be attentive to how they are transmitted.”

Associate Professor Homaira emphasizes that the risks of serious health consequences of diseases are not the same for everyone.

“Certain groups of people are more at risk — older family members, pregnant women and young children,” she says.

So, if there is anyone in the house who is not feeling well, let your guests know.

“If you have these high-risk people, let them know what’s going on so they are aware of it,” says Associate Professor Homaira.

“They can choose not to attend.

“They can choose to wear masks.

“When people are informed, they can make informed decisions.”

Reassure loved ones

Some family members may feel obligated to attend a meeting when they are not feeling well or want to avoid possible infections.

So if you’re throwing a party, make it clear that you won’t be offended if they politely decline.

“If they’re not feeling well, reassure them that they need to look after themselves,” says Ramya Raman, vice-president of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Offer other options like video calls or dropping off food containers so they still feel loved and included, but are safe from infection.

Take him outside

If possible, try to have plenty of air circulation when gathering, as respiratory illnesses are spread by tiny droplets from coughs, sneezes and the breath of infectious people.

And if you’re in an enclosed space, these droplets are more likely to linger rather than disperse.

“The risk is much lower if you are outside,” says Associate Professor Homaira.

“If it’s windy, the droplets are blown away.”

So if you can hold the event outside or on a veranda, this is a great way to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Otherwise, keep windows and doors open to let in fresh air.

Spread the disinfectant

“Have hand sanitizer on hand,” advises Dr. Raman.

And think about how you serve food.

If you’re hosting a buffet or sharing plates, Dr. Raman recommends having enough tongs or utensils so people don’t touch the food with their hands.

Be sure to wipe down frequently touched surfaces regularly.

And keep an eye on the little ones.

“With young children, make sure they wash their hands before touching food,” says Dr. Raman.

How do you know when to stay home?

“It’s a difficult decision,” says Dr. Raman.

“It’s actually really important that we take care of ourselves when we’re not well.

“Infectious conditions will spread if we do not take precautions.”

She says COVID cases should get a week of isolation.

And she says people should be especially careful when they have a fever, runny nose, muscle aches and sore throat.

How long does gastro last?

A few dayssays Health Direct, a government-funded national health advice service.

Vomiting usually lasts one or two days.

Diarrhea usually lasts between one and three days, but Health Direct says it can persist for 10 days.

How long are you contagious?

“The cases should be considered infectious until at least 24 to 48 hours after the diarrhea stops” says a fact sheet from the Victorian Department of Health.

How long does COVID last?

“Most people recover from COVID-19 after a few days or weeks“, says Health Direct.

How long are you contagious with COVID?

“You are generally considered contagious from 48 hours before your symptoms start or a positive test if you have no symptoms,” explains Health Direct.

“You can still be contagious as long as you have symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose and sore throat.

“It can last up to 10 days“.

Associate Professor Homaira says you are most likely to be contagious in the first week.

Some people may have a prolonged cough that persists after all other symptoms have gone.

Make sure to always cover your cough by coughing into your elbow or into a tissue that you throw away immediately.