The holiday season is a wonderful time to gather with loved ones, travel and celebrate. It can also be a time when routines shift, stress increases, and exposure to seasonal illnesses rises.
I’m often asked how people can balance it all while staying healthy. Below, I share guidance to support your immune, emotional and overall well-being through the busiest weeks of the year.
Taking preventive steps and knowing where to turn for care
What steps do you recommend to support immune health during the holidays?
First, make sure your vaccinations are up to date, including flu, COVID-19, RSV and pneumonia. Staying current on vaccines is one of the most effective ways to help protect yourself and your loved ones. You can schedule vaccines online or visit one of our MinuteClinic or CVS Pharmacy locations, which are open seven days a week with evening and weekend hours.
Beyond vaccines, ensuring you are following simple daily habits is important. Wash your hands often, get plenty of rest, and add fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks. These support digestion and boost immunity.
If you do start feeling sick, our licensed MinuteClinic providers can diagnose and treat common conditions like colds, flu or strep. MinuteClinic Virtual Care is available nationwide 24/7, including holidays, so people can be seen from wherever they are.
Preparing for holiday travel
What should people know about holiday travel health precautions?
I encourage people to get organized before they pack.
- Refill your prescriptions early to make sure you have enough medication.
- Prepare a travel health kit that includes essentials like hand sanitizer, a thermometer, pain relievers and any routine medications.
- If you manage a chronic condition, consider scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider before traveling.
- If you don’t have a primary care provider, MinuteClinic offers in-network, adult primary care in select markets. You can also schedule a MinuteClinic pre-travel health consultation — you do not need to be enrolled as a primary care patient to access this service. Our providers can guide you on recommended vaccines, other preventive measures and safe travel practices.
- When you travel, bring copies of important health information with you, including a list of prescriptions you take. A provider can advise on what information to bring.
What should people do if they get sick while traveling or outside their regular routine?
Illness can happen at any time, so it’s helpful to know your options. If symptoms appear while you’re away from home, you can visit any MinuteClinic location or connect through Virtual Care.
MinuteClinic follows evidence-based guidelines supported by our electronic medical record system, which helps ensure consistent, high-quality care across all locations. It also supports continuity of care if you’ve been seen by us in the past or if you’d like your primary care provider to receive a visit summary.
And if you forget a medication and need help while out of town, MinuteClinic can often support one-time prescription renewals.
Caring for emotional and mental well-being
How can people reduce holiday stress and care for their mental health during the holidays?
Holiday stress is common and normal. Travel, financial pressures and family expectations can lead to feeling overwhelmed. I encourage people to make time for simple actions that restore energy. Getting outside for a few minutes, enjoying sunlight, or going for a walk can significantly boost your mood. Staying active is one of the best tools to support emotional balance.
If stress or sadness becomes difficult to manage, you’re not alone. MinuteClinic provides virtual mental health counseling for ages 13 and older in most states, with in-person counseling available in select metro markets. Our licensed therapists help people navigate anxiety, stress and other mental health concerns with compassionate support tailored to their needs.
Seeking balance throughout the season
Do you have any final tips for staying healthy while enjoying the season?
Holiday health is really about balance. Maintain sleep routines when you can, stay hydrated, and set expectations that allow you to fully enjoy the moments that matter most. And remember, perfection isn’t the goal.
When you take preventive steps and have a care plan in place, you’re not just supporting your physical health — you’re caring for your mental well-being too. These small efforts help reduce stress and create more space for meaningful connections and lasting memories.
To learn more about MinuteClinic services available during the holidays and year-round, visit MinuteClinic.com. You can also see a full list of the more than 190 health care services MinuteClinic offers, including preventive care and chronic condition management.
