Austin Public Health encourages a safe, healthy holiday by following tips to prevent foodborne illnesses, the spread of respiratory viruses and impaired driving this season.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy the company of the people we love, not get sick or hurt,” Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “Everyone can help make the most of this holiday by knowing how to stop the spread of respiratory viruses, keep food safe during holiday parties and make a plan to avoid driving while intoxicated.” 

Preventing food-borne illness

Foodborne illness, sometimes called food poisoning, happens when a person eats food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins and gets sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that one in six Americans, approximately 48 million people, have a foodborne illness each year. Additionally, foodborne diseases kill thousands in the United States each year and cause billions of dollars in healthcare-related and industry costs annually. In 2021, 475 people experienced a foodborne illness in Austin-Travis County. 

The most common foodborne illnesses are caused by bacteria that enter food when the food is cooked or stored. The best ways to prevent food poisoning are to cook food to the right temperature, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold and practice good hand-washing. 

Follow these tips to prevent foodborne illnesses at your holiday gatherings:

Practice food safety

• Thaw your turkey safely and cook all food to the correct internal temperature to prevent food poisoning. Don’t eat raw cookie dough or batter.  

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent food poisoning.  

• Refrigerate or freeze perishable food like meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, eggs, cut fruit, cooked rice and leftovers within two hours (one hour if food is exposed to temperatures above 90°F, such as in a hot car).  

• The temperature in your refrigerator should be set at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F or below.

Wash your hands often

Washing your hands helps remove the bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning or respiratory illnesses so you don’t spread them to yourself or others. Remember to use soap and lather up by rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rinsing for best results. 

Wash your hands frequently to stop the spread of viruses and to prevent food poisoning: 

• Before, during and after preparing food.

• When changing tasks from handling raw foods to cooked foods.

• Before eating food.

• After handling pet food or pet treats or touching pets.

• After using the toilet.

• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet. 

• After touching garbage. 

• Before and after caring for someone who is sick. 

• Before and after treating a cut or wound. 

• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.  

Stop the spread of respiratory viruses

The cold holiday months are unfortunately the time when respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are most likely to spread. To stop the spread of these viruses, follow these tips:

• Stay home if you feel sick with a runny nose, fever, cough or other symptoms. 

• Use video calls for family or friends who are ill so they don’t have to miss all the festivities. 

• Get your updated vaccines for flu, COVID-19 and RSV to keep from getting seriously ill or spreading the viruses. Visit vaccines.gov for more information. 

Don’t drink and drive

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous. In 2023, the Texas Department of Transportation reported nearly 1,000 alcohol-related crashes in Austin with 94 deaths. Drunk driving can also mean you lose your license or face heavy fines. 

You can stop drunk driving by following these tips:

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Assign a designated driver who won’t drink. 

• Use rideshare services or CapMetro instead of driving.  

• Make a plan for safe transportation before you go out to celebrate.