December 23, 2025
Media Contact: Dr. Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Provides Tips for Safe, Healthy Holiday Travel
Plan Ahead for a Healthy and Safe Holiday
WARRENTON, Va. – As you and your family prepare to travel during the holiday season, the Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District reminds you to take important steps now to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Holiday travel and festive gatherings can increase the risk of spreading infectious diseases and encountering unexpected emergencies.
“The holidays are a time for joy and togetherness, let’s keep it that way by practicing safe food handling,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director J. Carr, M.D. “Simple steps like proper handwashing, cooking foods to the right temperature, and prompt refrigeration can prevent illness and keep everyone healthy.”
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District shares these tips to healthy and safe holiday travel:
- Check Immunization Status: To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal. Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your recommended vaccines. Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people. Bring a copy of your official immunization records with you when you travel.
- Prevent Seasonal Illnesses: Protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV by doing three little things: washing your hands, covering your cough and getting vaccinated. Everyone aged six months and older should get a flu shot every year, with a few exceptions. Talk to a healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.
- Monitor Travel Advisories: Check current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of State travel advisories before departure.
- Pack Smart: Pack enough prescription medications for the entire trip, plus extra in case of delays. Keep medications in their original containers and carry them in your hand luggage. Pack a travel health kit.
- Stay Home if Sick: Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick. Consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance to cover expenses if you must change your plans due to illness.
The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Health Department wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and festive holiday season. For more travel tips, contact The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District at www.rrhd.org.
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