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With the holidays approaching, polls show that 82% of Americans plan to gather for the holidays to share celebrations, gifts, memories — and sometimes, unintentionally, germs.

“Such gatherings pose a higher risk of spreading infections, especially to children, elderly family members, and those with weaker immune systems or multiple medical comorbidities,” said Varvara Probst, M.D., a clinical assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine in Gainesville, Florida.

There are steps you can take, however, to reduce the risk of getting sick when spending time with family and friends.  

4 HOLIDAY NUTRITION TIPS FROM DR. NICOLE SAPHIER: ‘EVERYTHING IN MODERATION’

Fox News Digital spoke with doctors about how to keep gatherings from turning into “super-spreaders.”

1. Get current on vaccinations

Vaccinations play a big role in preventing holiday illness, according to Probst.

“Staying up-to-date with flu and COVID vaccinations is one of the most helpful strategies to reduce the risk of infection and hospitalization,” she told Fox News Digital. 

Pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations are also recommended for older adults, Probst added.

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“While these steps can’t prevent every illness, they greatly lower the chances of serious infections and help keep family gatherings more protected and enjoyable for everyone,” she said.

2. Wash hands frequently

Regular and thorough handwashing is a simple yet powerful method to prevent the spread of germs between people and from contaminated surfaces like door knobs and furniture, doctors agree. 

“This is especially important when traveling for long distances or if someone at home is feeling unwell,” Probst noted.  

There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting sick when spending time with family and friends, doctors say. (iStock)

It’s also best to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, as this can introduce microbes directly to areas where they are most likely to cause infection, the doctor cautioned.

3. Limit close contact with sick people

Whenever possible, avoid close contact with those who have colds or stomach bugs, Probst recommended.  

Children, the elderly, and those with existing conditions or weakened immunity are most at risk.

“If you do need to interact with someone who is sick, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently can help minimize exposure to infection,” she advised.

4. Be mindful about large gatherings

Those who are at higher risk should try to avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces, Probst said, as germs can linger in the air with a higher chance of being inhaled. 

“While not always necessary, wearing a mask in crowded areas is especially beneficial for people with weakened immune systems or multiple health conditions, and can reduce the amount of germs you breathe in,” she added.

5. Prioritize nutrition and nutrients

Eating “fresh and properly prepared food” can help to reduce the risk of stomach bugs or food poisoning, according to Probst.

Eating “fresh and properly prepared food” can help to reduce the risk of stomach bugs or food poisoning, a doctor advised. (iStock)

Jesus Lizarzaburu, MD, a family physician with TPMG Grafton Family Medicine in Yorktown, Virginia, also recommends taking vitamin C a few weeks before the holiday season starts to help prevent sickness.

Vitamin D can also improve immune responses, he told Fox News Digital, and there is evidence that zinc can decrease the duration of cold symptoms.

6. Focus on healthy behaviors

Maintaining good sleep habits, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise can boost the immune system, which can help you fight off infections and illnesses if you catch something, according to experts.

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How sick is too sick?

In some cases, it may be best to skip a holiday gathering to prevent spreading infections and getting others sick. 

“Symptoms that indicate you may be too sick to attend a family gathering include a fever, muscle aches, persistent and strong coughing, frequent sneezing with large amount of nasal discharge, or frequent vomiting and diarrhea,” Probst said. 

Fever, muscle aches, persistent and strong coughing, frequent sneezing with large amount of nasal discharge, or frequent vomiting and diarrhea warrant skipping a holiday gathering, according to medical experts. (iStock)

These symptoms often suggest a high risk of spreading viruses, which can be particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with existing medical conditions or weak immune systems, she said. 

“In such cases, it would be safer to recover at home,” the doctor added.

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It may even be possible to spread a virus even after symptoms have abated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Those experiencing persistent symptoms should see a doctor for health guidance.

Two-thirds of people say they overindulge in food during the holidays and a third drink more alcohol, according to an Ohio State University survey last year.

But it is possible to enjoy the holidays while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, says Dr. Nicole Saphier.

In a conversation with Fox News Digital, the Fox News medical contributor shared her top four tips for navigating the season in a more nutritious way.

HOLIDAY GATHERINGS CAN LEAD TO STRESS EATING: TRY THESE 5 TIPS TO CONTROL IT

1. Cook at home

It’s best to cook at home whenever possible, Saphier said.

Studies have shown that people who cook at home tend to have lower body mass index (BMI) and better overall health.

“When you go out, you are no longer in control of those oils and sugars and salts and everything that is added to your foods,” she told Fox News Digital. 

“So if you’re getting your food from the grocery store and cooking it at home, it’s bound to be healthier than anything you’re getting out [at restaurants].”

2. Snack smart

Previous studies have shown that nearly a quarter of the calories U.S. adults consume come from snacks.

When snacking during the holidays, Saphier recommends choosing foods that pack a nutritional punch.

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“Maybe grab a handful of pistachios or blueberries or some of these other superfoods that are good for your brain and your entire body instead of grabbing potato chips,” she advised.

3. Steer clear of soda

When it comes to beverages, water is always the best choice, according to Saphier. 

“You need to drink as much water as possible and stay away from the sugary drinks,” she said.

When it comes to beverages, water is always the best choice, according to Saphier.  (iStock)

For those who have trouble drinking plain water, the doctor recommends unsweetened iced tea or herbal tea, without adding sugar packets. 

Generally speaking, she said, the lower the sugar content, the better.

“Also, steer clear of any sort of sodas,” Saphier said. 

“I don’t care what type it is, it’s not good for you. And even if there’s a ‘diet’ in front of it, it’s a no-no, especially heading into the holiday season.”

4. Limit or avoid alcohol

Studies have shown that Americans drink on average twice as much alcohol during the holidays.

“I know there are lots of parties going on, and I say everything in moderation,” Saphier said.

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“If you are someone who socially drinks, you can have a cocktail — but watch what you drink.”

There is no positive benefit to drinking alcohol, but there are “a lot of negatives,” Saphier said.

“It’s not just that it’s bad for the liver or that it increases the risk of cancer — it also increases the risk of depression and causes poor sleep habits,” the doctor warned. (iStock)

“It’s not just that it’s bad for the liver or that it increases the risk of cancer — it also increases the risk of depression and causes poor sleep habits.”

Lack of quality sleep can have a ripple effect on all aspects of life, the doctor warned.

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“When you don’t sleep well, everything is completely off the next day — it’s kind of a downward spiral,” she said. 

“So if you can avoid alcohol, I recommend you do so.”