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As the temps drop in Gloucester, Salem, and Camden Counties, flu activity climbs. Peak flu season typically lands right as families gather for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year celebrations. If you care for an older loved one or someone with a chronic condition, a little planning now can keep the holidays joyful and reduce avoidable ER visits.
Why flu risk is higher during the holidays
- More time indoors with less ventilation
- Travel and school breaks that mix households
- Fatigue and stress that can lower immunity
- Overlap with RSV and COVID that complicates symptoms and recovery
Who in the family needs extra protection
- Adults 65+
- Anyone with heart, lung, kidney, or metabolic conditions
- People who are pregnant
- Infants and young children
- Caregivers who provide close, hands-on support
Your two-week “holiday readiness” plan
Days 1–3- Schedule flu shots for the household, especially high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines for adults 65+ if recommended by their clinician.
- Refill maintenance medications and rescue inhalers.
- Set up a thermometer, pulse oximeter, and a small sick-day kit: tissues, cough drops, electrolyte drinks, acetaminophen or ibuprofen as advised, and home COVID tests.
- Confirm transportation to vaccination sites if an older adult no longer drives.
- Review hand hygiene and mask etiquette before visiting higher-risk relatives.
- Pick one or two “well-ventilated” zones for gatherings. Crack a window or run an air purifier.
- Final headcount and health check. Anyone with new fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches should sit out in person and join by video.
- Prep a “grandparent time” plan that avoids crowding: short visits, spaced seating, and outdoor photos if weather permits.
Local, easy places to get a flu shot
- Retail pharmacies in Woodbury, Deptford, Mantua, Mullica Hill, Glassboro, Washington Township, Penns Grove, and Salem typically offer walk-in or same-day appointments.
- Health system clinics near you include Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, Cooper outpatient sites, and Virtua primary care offices.
- County health departments and township senior centers often host pop-up vaccination events. Check their calendars and bring insurance cards and photo ID.
Tip: Ask specifically for an age-appropriate formulation for adults 65+. If you are homebound, ask your primary care office about outreach options or mobile clinics.
Hosting a safer holiday in South Jersey
- Keep gatherings smaller and shorter
- Serve food buffet-style with a designated server
- Offer “mask-optional” and “mask-preferred” areas so higher-risk guests have space
- Eat where you can spread out, like a sunroom or garage with a space heater
- Label cups and offer individual condiment packets to reduce sharing
What to do if symptoms start
- Call your primary care office early, especially for adults 65+. Antiviral medications work best within the first 48 hours.
- Track fever and oxygen saturation if you have a pulse oximeter
- Rest, hydrate, and isolate from high-risk relatives until symptoms improve
- Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, dehydration, or if fever lasts more than three days
How BrightStar Care of Gloucester County can help
- RN-led wellness checks and vaccine coordination
- Short-shift respite so family caregivers can shop, prep, or rest
- Post-illness support at home during recovery
- Personal care and companion services with no minimum hours
We serve Gloucester, Salem, Camden, and nearby communities from our Woodbury office. If you need help making a plan before guests arrive, call 856-442-9009.
Quick Holiday Flu Safety Checklist
- Vaccinations scheduled and transportation arranged
- Sick-day kit stocked
- Ventilation plan for the gathering space
- Seating that gives older adults more personal space
- Backup plan: video call and meal drop-off if someone is sick
Sample script for the group text
“Hi all, quick holiday health note. If you feel sick the week of the party, please rest and join us on video. We’ll have hand sanitizer out, label cups, and crack a few windows. Thanks for helping keep Grandma healthy.”
About us: BrightStar Care of Gloucester County is a locally owned, RN-led home care agency in Woodbury providing personal care, companion care, and skilled nursing. We can help you navigate flu season safely at home. Call 856-442-9009 to talk through options or set up a visit.