Nov. 24, 2025 — From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, holiday togetherness comes with a catch: a spike in the viruses that thrive when we all gather inside.
The latest U.S. wastewater data suggests that COVID, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the norovirus stomach bug are on the rise. In some regions, measles is also making appearances. Here’s how to protect yourself amid all the houseguests, hugs, and handshakes.
“During the holiday season, people tend to celebrate together indoors, which increases the opportunity of getting into contact with people,” says Wan Yang, PhD, assistant professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. “Even though some of them may not have symptoms of infection, they could have an infection and unknowingly pass it to loved ones and friends.”
Step 1: Get Vaccinated
Vaccines can reduce your risk of catching flu, COVID, RSV, and measles — or of developing severe symptoms if you do get sick, says Judd Hultquist, PhD, the Dr. Robert L. Murphy Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. It takes about 10 to 14 days after a shot to build protective antibodies. That means even if you get vaccinated just before Thanksgiving, your strongest protection will be in place for the full stretch of holiday gatherings that follow, Hultquist says.
“Now is the right time to make sure you’re at maximum protection when the holiday parties start and you’re spending more time with family and friends,” he says.
Here’s what’s recommended:
Measles shot
Who needs it: Kids need two doses — one at 12 to 15 months and another at 4 to 6 years old. Unvaccinated adults can still get the shots.
What it does: Two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles, the most contagious of the major respiratory viruses circulating now. “Before the vaccine was available in the 1960s, about 95% of the population got infected,” Yang says. Her research suggests that a 10% drop in U.S. measles vaccination rates could lead to large outbreaks by 2030.
RSV vaccine and antibodies
Who needs it: RSV shots, now available for adults and pregnant women, are recommended for people 75 and older or ages 50 to 74 with an increased risk from conditions like asthma. Pregnant women can get vaccinated to pass immunity to their babies. Infants, who are especially vulnerable, can receive a preventive antibody treatment (not a vaccine) that helps protect them from severe RSV.
What it does: A recent study showed the shots keep adults over 60 out of the hospital for severe RSV about 69% of the time. RSV antibodies are 90% effective at preventing infants from being hospitalized with RSV.
Flu shot
Who needs it: The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months old and older.
What it does: Last year’s flu vaccine was 63% to 78% effective at keeping kids out of the hospital and 41% to 55% effective for adults. Getting vaccinated each year helps reduce your risk of severe illness during the holiday season.
COVID shot
Who needs it: The CDC recommends working with your health care provider to decide on yearly COVID vaccinations.
What it does: Last year’s booster reduced the risk of COVID-related emergency or urgent care visits by 33% in adults. Among children, it lowered the risk by 79% for ages 9 months to 4 years and 57% for ages 5 to 17, according to CDC data.
Step 2: Prepare for Houseguests
Make your home comfortable for your family — not their germs.
Use humidifiers. Indoor heating can dry the air, creating an environment where viruses linger longer. “Increased humidity helps lower the chance that the virus survives once it’s emitted into the air,” when infected people exhale, cough, or sneeze, says Yang. Aim for 40% to 60% humidity.
Keep the air clean. Dust, mold spores, and other airborne particles can make it easier for viruses to infect your respiratory tract, says Felix Rivera-Mariani, PhD, associate professor of biology at Lynn University. To reduce risk:
- Use a HEPA air purifier and change filters monthly.
- Consider indoor plants like weeping figs or peace lilies, which can help remove mold.
- Establish a no-shoes-in-the-house rule to avoid tracking particles indoors.
Wipe down high-traffic areas. Disinfect kitchen counters, bathrooms, and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick. “Set one or two times over the course of the evening where you double check things,” says Hultquist.
Change out towels. Guest hand towels can quickly become germy. Keep a stack of disposable towels and a nearby waste basket for large gatherings, suggests Hultquist.
Don’t keep food out too long. Stomach bugs like norovirus and bacteria can spread on buffets and dinner tables. Don’t leave food at room temperature for more than two hours — that’s all it takes for germs to grow, says Hultquist.
Step 3: Consider Your Itinerary
Reduce your risk of catching bugs at holiday events.
Reconsider crowded venues. Bars, restaurants, and other crowded spaces increase the chance of exposure. Yang’s research during the early pandemic in New York City found that bringing together people from different neighborhoods in close quarters like these contributed to the spread of COVID. Hosting at home or cooking for family can be a safer alternative.
Avoid people who seem sick. If someone is coughing or sneezing, keep some distance. “Even six feet can dramatically lower your chances of catching an infection over the course of a party,” says Hultquist.
Bring hand sanitizer. Clean your hands frequently, especially after touching shared surfaces. Respiratory viruses can spread via surfaces as well as the air, so sanitizer is a quick way to reduce risk.
Minimize face-touching. Viruses can enter through your eyes, nose, or mouth. One playful reminder: a sparkly nail polish design can help you notice when you’re about to touch your face, says Hultquist.
