Let’s be honest—November is a month when gratitude and germs collide. We gather around crowded tables, share hugs and gravy boats, and pretend that no one’s coughing in the kitchen. Thanksgiving may be about family, food, and football—but it’s also a high-stakes contact sport for your immune system.
Every year, nurses on our team watch a parade of post-holiday colds, stomach bugs, and mystery viruses march through homes and offices. It’s not that Grandmom’s stuffing is dangerous—it’s that Uncle Jack sneezed during grace, and everyone passed the rolls before the Kleenex.
Cold and flu season loves Thanksgiving. It’s indoors, it’s close contact, and it’s peak travel time. Add in fatigue, stress, and a little too much pie, and your body’s defenses start waving the white flag.
The good news? With a few smart habits, you can still enjoy the feast without needing antibiotics by December.
— Betty Long, RN, MHA, President/CEO, Guardian Nurses Health Advocates
1. Wash. Your. Hands. (Seriously.)
It’s simple, it’s free, and it works. Before you eat, after handling raw ingredients, after touching shared surfaces—give your hands a 20-second scrub. Soap and water beat hand sanitizer any day, but sanitizer is the MVP when you’re away from a sink.
If you’re hosting, set out festive little bottles of sanitizer next to the napkins. (Bonus: you’ll look thoughtful and health-savvy.)
2. Mind the Buffet Line
The turkey isn’t the only thing that needs proper timing. Food left out too long becomes a playground for bacteria. The rule of thumb: if it’s been sitting for more than two hours, it’s time for the fridge or the compost.
And while we’re here—cold foods should stay cold, hot foods should stay hot. The “lukewarm zone” is where bacteria do their best work.
3. Don’t Power Through a Virus
If you wake up on Thanksgiving feeling feverish or coughing up a chorus, think about sitting this one out. No one will remember that you missed the cranberry sauce—only that you didn’t take everyone down with you.
If you absolutely must attend, mask up and keep your distance. Yes, Aunt Carol might tease you. But she’ll thank you when she’s not watching Hallmark movies with a box of tissues the next week.
4. Travel Smart
Planes, trains, and Ubers are like field trips for germs. Bring wipes, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your face. Hydrate more than you think you need to. (Airplane air could dry out a cactus.)
If possible, get your flu shot and updated COVID or RSV vaccines before the holidays. Think of it as giving your immune system a pep talk before the big game.
5. The Day After
Friday morning, your body will be running on leftover gravy and minimal sleep. Go easy on yourself. Drink water. Move your body—just a walk, not a marathon. Leftovers are a blessing, but remember: three-day-old turkey is pushing its luck.
And if you do start feeling off, don’t panic—-Google your symptoms. Rest, hydrate, and if it’s more than a sniffle, call your healthcare provider.
Gratitude Still Wins
Despite the germs, the chaos, and the travel delays, Thanksgiving is still a favorite holiday. It’s a moment to stop, breathe, and remember that the people around the table—yes, even the ones who double-dip—are what make life meaningful.
And maybe that’s the best part of the whole day. Gratitude doesn’t kill germs, but it can strengthen something just as important: connection, laughter, resilience, and joy.
So go ahead—pass the mashed potatoes, clink the glasses, share the stories. Just keep the hand sanitizer within reach.