FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Christmas is right around the corner, and people are checking off their holiday list.<\/p>\n
“Holidays are a time for us to really spend time with family,” said Dr. Mitul Patel, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente in Fresno. “But there is added stress because of all the extra tasks involved.”<\/p>\n
As you get ready for your holiday trips and gatherings, there are some things doctors want you to keep in mind.<\/p>\n
“Making sure our kids have their appropriate health checks, whether that’s physicals, but especially their vaccinations,” said Dr. Patel. “The flu is going to be a pretty severe flu.”<\/p>\n
According to the CDC, flu activity is increasing nationally, with health experts seeing a spike in cases among children and young adults.<\/p>\n
Doctors are especially watching a new variant of the flu, known as Subclade K.<\/p>\n
“What we’re all expecting to happen is that there’s going to be this huge peak that comes out pretty quickly,” said Dr. Patel. “Unfortunately, with the holidays coming, it’s going to be around the holiday season. So right after Christmas, right after New Year’s.”<\/p>\n
Whether your plans keep you close to home or out of town, Dr. Patel stresses making sure you’re up to date on your vaccines, whether it’s flu, COVID, or even the measles.<\/p>\n
“If you’re traveling internationally or out of state, we are, unfortunately, seeing pockets of measles popping up a lot,” said Dr. Patel.<\/p>\n
For those who have planned long trips with air travel, Dr. Patel suggests packing hand wipes, extra medicine and even a spare set of clothes in that carry-on.<\/p>\n
“Involving your kids in your planning,” said Dr. Patel. “Let them help you pick out the snacks they want, the games they want to play and any stuffed animals they want to take.”<\/p>\n
Taking the extra time and steps to prepare can make the holiday travel less turbulent and chaotic.<\/p>\n
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