The holiday season may be filled with cheer and quality time with loved ones, but it’s also the time when many people have to visit the emergency room or their local urgent care clinic! The time between Thanksgiving and New Years is when more accidents and illnesses occur. We encourage you to be careful and take good care of yourself, so you can avoid these common reasons for urgent care visits:

Slips and falls

Hanging holiday lights, navigating icy sidewalks, cooking in crowded kitchens, and other seasonal hazards can put you at risk for a slip or fall accident. Do your best to always watch where you’re going, use precautions when putting up decor, and keep your areas clean.

Food poisoning

Holiday indulgences are common, but trying lots of different and new foods can be hard on your system. Party platters and buffets at room temp, along with crowds of people, can result in bacterial or viral contamination. Be sure to heat your food thoroughly, and don’t eat anything that smells or looks suspicious.

The flu

Flu season and the holidays go hand in hand. With the extra social time and time spent in crowded public places, more people visit urgent care with flu symptoms this time of year. And of course, COVID-19 remains a threat these days. Do your best to wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home if you feel ill.

Burns

As more people attempt cooking or baking during the holidays, it’s common to see burns in the urgent care clinic. Be cautious around hot stove tops, or when removing things from the oven. Use mitts or potholders to protect yourself. 

Depression and anxiety

The holidays are complicated for many people, and this tends to be a stressful time of year. Seek the treatment you need if you struggle with anxiety or depression. If you’re too shy to do an in-person consultation, you can also opt for telemedicine urgent care. Also, take time to get outside, move your body, and try not to overdo it with alcohol or caffeine. 

If you need care this holiday season, contact urgent care immediately.