How to stay healthy for the holidays

Good food and great company can also mean plenty of germs. Whether you’re traveling or hosting at home, make health a priority. Rachel Toothman, Walgreens pharmacist and director of pharmacy and retail for the Detroit, Michigan and Cleveland, Ohio areas, shares quick tips to help you feel your best all season. 

Protecting your health during travel

Public transportation is often unavoidable during the holiday rush. 

• “Keep your hands clean by washing often and using plenty of sanitizer,” Toothman says. “Hand hygiene is the first line of defense.” 
• Pack your own tissues to avoid shared boxes in public restrooms. 
• Bring travel-sized over-the-counter essentials such as acetaminophen or allergy medications. Walgreens offers compact options, so you’re covered on the go. 
• You may consider immune boosters before your trip, like Walgreens-brand Vitamin C. 
• Visit a Walgreens pharmacist for flu, COVID-19, pneumonia and RSV vaccinations, if you’re eligible, plus testing when illness is suspected. 

“The No. 1 way to protect yourself and others is to get vaccinated for the respiratory diseases most common this time of year,” Toothman says. Read our 5 flu myths debunked article for more. 

Kicking stress to the curb 

The holidays can be joyful—and overwhelming. 

• “With so many obligations, it’s easy to push aside self-care,” Toothman says. 
• Check in with yourself: Did you drink enough water? Have you stretched between gift-wrapping marathons? 
• Walgreens offers delivery in as little as 1 hour or curbside pickup in 30 minutes for stress support gummies, weighted blankets, neck massagers and more—so you can reset quickly and tackle the next task. 

Healthy hosting habits

A few simple steps can help keep everyone well during gatherings. 

• “Pay attention to high-touch areas like shared serving spoons,” Toothman advises. “After making your plate, wash your hands.” 
• Use disinfecting wipes on other high-touch items such as doorknobs, faucets, cabinets and serving ware. 
• Know guests’ health situations when possible. If someone isn’t feeling well, help limit what they touch—make a plate for them, and keep face masks and disposable tableware on hand to reduce spread. 

Digging in 

A big holiday meal is a highlight—but not always the hours after. 

Walgreens carries antacids, Pepto-Bismol and anti-diarrheal products for digestive discomfort. For prevention, products like famotidine and omeprazole can help those who know certain foods may trigger reflux symptoms. 

Walgreens is with you all the way 

If illness strikes—anything from a cold to the flu—Walgreens is open with convenient hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (check the store locator for hours near you). 

“We are proud to play a role in ensuring the health and safety of our customers,” Toothman says. “The holiday season might not always be easy, but it’s filled with the same convenience and care Walgreens offers year-round.” 

Visit the 2025 Holiday Hub for more ways Walgreens can help this season. 

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication or supplement.