Jamie Monticelli: This is Med Talk presented by HCA Midwest Health. I'm Jamie Monticelli. As the coronavirus picks up pace across the nation, and we get new cases in our area, we are faced with planning holiday gatherings. Now more than ever, it's important to develop a plan in advance. So your family can safely celebrate. Holidays are synonymous with family and friends. And while we may have COVID fatigue, Centerpoint Medical Center's Dr. Darryl Nelson, Chief Medical Officer, cautions that we can't put our guard down. We have to continue to be hypervigilant in preventing the spread of COVID and the flu. So we'll get some tips today on how to stay out of the ER during the holidays and why hospitals are safe even during the pandemic. So, Dr. Nelson COVID is certainly not invited to holidays, but with the increase in cases in the region, chances are it may show up unannounced. So how do you suggest family stay safe while celebrating? Dr. Darryl Nelson: Jamie, it's a great question. And one of the first things I'd like to emphasize is that you and your listeners aren't alone. It's a dilemma facing everyone right now, how to take precautions when considering large gatherings and family events, especially if there are at risk people or individuals within the elderly population who would be attending. At this point, given the increase in positive COVID cases in our community, it's not about what is COVID safe, really, but the risk levels. High risk events, such as large indoor gatherings with 20 plus people, with multiple families around a dining table, sharing and passing around the dishes are unfortunately just not recommended. Think about it, many people are still COVID positive, but asymptomatic. That's why we call COVID the uninvited guest. They may not know they have COVID and are unwillingly passing it along to the family via those beloved mashed potatoes. Jamie Monticelli: All right. So we need to get creative this year. So help us out. What are some ways that you suggest families can have safe celebrations? Dr. Darryl Nelson: Well, Jamie, another great question. First, remember this, the pandemic is not forever. I know it's starting to feel like it, it's been a long time. It's been difficult and challenging for all of us. Great strides, however, are being made in developing a vaccine for COVID. But for this year, think about recreating some new experiences, maybe some new traditions that we can consider starting. First, consider preparing holiday food for non-household family members, especially those that are higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and neighbors. Many of them haven't had a lot of time to interact, like they've been used to in the past. Doorstop delivery with a lovely note about fun holiday memories, followed by a phone call or a Zoom or a FaceTime. Dr. Darryl Nelson: That's not only low or no risk, but it's highly rewarding and deeply meaningful. If you are set on hosting a Thanksgiving meal though, please organize it as an outdoor event with ample space between tables. Have plenty of hand sanitizer, just with the same household family members that you're normally in your routine. Or you could consider a desert, small gathering outside and minimizing the length of time in which you spend together. It's all about decreasing the risk of that uninvited guest being spread amongst us. Plan ahead for cooler weather by using outdoor heaters or a pop-up tent cover, encourage people to bring their own blanket and to wear warm clothing. But again, there should not be large gatherings, especially with multiple family households all in the same location. That really increases the risk. Jamie Monticelli: What if you can't drive to see family, what if you are planning to fly to see your family? Does that increase your chances of getting COVID-19 if you get on an airplane? Dr. Darryl Nelson: Well, the good news is there's a recent study out by the Department of Defense that shows that flying is actually safer than ever, with minimal risk of contracting COVID. Hard sometimes to understand, but the fact is flying is believed to be safer than going on many of the trips and household errand outings that we make each day. The study found the risk of aerosol dispersion or the transmission of the virus through the air was reduced by 99.7, thanks to high air exchange rates, HEPA filters, and what's called downward ventilation in modern day jets. All of these decrease the risk of the virus being spread about the aircraft. Dr. Darryl Nelson: Investigators also looked at the impact of an infected passenger on others seated in the same row and those in nearby cabins, of the larger airliner 767 and 777 aircraft. Those two aircraft types are wide body, typically used for long haul flights, where a virus would be expected to potentially spread more easily. We also know that airlines are minimizing their employees contact, as we're all trying to do, with their passengers to keep everyone safe. And they're requiring masks regardless of the region that you are from or going to. In fact, some airlines have banned passengers for life if they refuse to wear a mask and keep them on, examples including Alaska Air and Delta. Typically, a traveler receives a safety kit now boarding, which includes wipe sanitizers, water, and a snack. Jamie Monticelli: All right, so you get to your destination. Is it safe to stay in a hotel? Dr. Darryl Nelson: Well, it's a good idea if you're traveling to see family that you consider staying somewhere other than at their home, unless all of you have quarantined for 10 days. Most hotels and Airbnb contract staff and owners follow COVID safety protocols. Obviously, an Airbnb might be a good choice. It will provide more comfort for you and your family, allowing you to cook and minimize regular contacts with others. Jamie Monticelli: So we're also now getting into flu season and experts say that could mean double trouble during the pandemic. So what are some reminders for us, as we also try to prevent the spread of the flu along with COVID-19? Dr. Darryl Nelson: Well, Jamie, no matter what your holiday outing or travel plans are, we must remain focused on stopping the spread, not just of COVID, but the flu and other seasonal viruses. Make sure you get your flu shot, you wear your mask. If you're not feeling well or have been exposed to any virus, not just COVID, stay home. Be rigorous about hand-washing, carry extra masks and hand sanitizer wipes with you on all outings, socially distance. And finally, as we've already talked about, really try to avoid those large gatherings. Jamie Monticelli: I've already seen people around my neighborhood, climbing ladders, decorating their homes for t Dr. Darryl Nelson: You bet, Jamie. In fact, the HCA Midwest Health, we want people to remember that a trip to the ER is unfortunately only a slip and a fall away while decorating the halls. It's also a busy time of the year in the ER for burns caused by cooking, a burning candle that got out of control, or more unfortunately, a dried out Christmas tree that can quickly start a disastrous fire. Exercise caution and common sense when climbing up a ladder to string up lights or when cooking. And if you or a loved one is injured, please call 911 and get to the nearest emergency room. Remember, the health and safety of patients, caregivers, and the community a whole, is a top priority and the very foundation of every hospital and every emergency room. During COVID, even more enhanced safety precautions are being taken to ensure your safety, like universal masking policies, heightened infection prevention policies, and much more. Never, please never delay or ignore urgent care or emergent care when needed. Jamie Monticelli: We've learned a lot today. Thanks a lot to Dr. Darryl Nelson, Chief Medical Officer, Centerpoint Medical Center and HCA Midwest Health. This has been Med Talk, presented by HCA Midwest Health. I'm Jamie Monticelli.