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Commentary: As we gear up for multiple festive celebrations in 2024, staying safe and healthy is more important than ever

People have always tended to get sick more during festive periods. Why is this becoming a bigger problem now?

Beginning with Chinese New Year on Feb 10 and continuing with many others throughout the year, large-scale festivities in Singapore have significant implications on public health.

Beginning with Chinese New Year on Feb 10 and continuing with many others throughout the year, large-scale festivities in Singapore have significant implications on public health.

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Singapore is gearing up for a series of festive celebrations, beginning with Chinese New Year on Feb 10 and continuing with many others throughout the year: Good Friday and Hari Raya Puasa in April, quickly followed by Vesak Day in May, before Hari Raya Haji rolls around again. 

In the midst of all the good cheer and celebration, it’s easy to forget that the spectre of Covid-19 still looms. This consecutive series of large-scale festivities has significant implications on public health in Singapore.

However, people have always tended to get sick more during festive periods. Why is this becoming a bigger problem now?

SPREADING CHEER — AND ALSO GERMS

Festive occasions are traditionally times of joy and celebration that bring families and communities together. However, these gatherings are also fertile grounds for viruses to spread. 

During such times, a myriad of factors join forces to heighten our vulnerabilities to health risks: A rise in interactions between families and between social groups, increased travel, excessive feasting, increased alcohol intake and irregular schedules weakening immunity, and relaxed adherence to safety measures amid festivities.  

Data from the past has shown a discernible uptick in illness rates during such periods. Last Christmas, for example, Singapore’s Covid-19 case numbers spiked to one of the highest levels since the pandemic was declared endemic in our city-state. 

In December 2023, the Ministry of Health reported that the number of Covid-19 cases had doubled compared to the month before. 

On the increased public health risks posed by celebratory seasons such as Chinese New Year, Vincent Pang Junxiong, an assistant professor at the Centre for Outbreak Preparedness at Duke-NUS Medical School, wrote in a Jan 23, 2023 commentary: “The more days one goes visiting and the larger the size of the gatherings (one attends), the bigger the risk and potential impact to one’s community”.

This pattern underscores the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures during festive periods and occasions to safeguard our health and the health of our loved ones.

COVID NOT THE ONLY RISK

Even without the threat of Covid, close interaction for extended periods of time also facilitates the spread of other viruses like adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, mycoplasma, pneumonia. 

At the same time, another insidious threat looms large: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 

Also known as the “silent pandemic”, AMR represents a growing global crisis where microbes evolve to resist the effects of medications, rendering standard treatments ineffective and enabling infections to persist, thereby increasing the risk of spread to others. 

The World Health Organization estimates that in 2019, bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths.

Singapore has also identified AMR as a critical health priority and, in 2017, launched a National Strategic Action Plan to combat the threat. 

Singapore has identified antimicrobial resistance as a critical health priority and, in 2017, launched a National Strategic Action Plan to combat the threat. 

Despite ongoing health risks and challenges, it’s still possible for us to celebrate festive occasions with our loved ones. The key is being mindful to maintain personal health and hygiene responsibilities. 

By doing our part to prevent the spread of germs and infections, we can get in front of the typical spike in sickness cases. Doing so also reduces the need for antibiotics, and helps to slow down the spread of AMR. 

HAND-WASHING: SIMPLE YET EFFECTIVE

In any battle, sometimes the simplest weapons are the most effective. 

Research by hygiene experts consistently finds that the washing of hands with soap and water can dramatically reduce the presence of pathogens that contribute to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, including the Covid-19 virus.

If you have toddlers and small children who are not able or not used to washing their hands properly, it is best to get them familiarised with the practice before taking them to festive gatherings and events.

LESSONS FROM THE PANDEMIC: OTHER SOCIAL BEST PRACTICES 

As we gear up for festive celebrations, all the hard-learned lessons picked up during the pandemic will also come in handy. 

For example, avoid large gatherings if you’re unwell. If you are unable to excuse yourself, keep your mask on when you are not eating or drinking and avoid physical contact as much as possible. Take care to maintain a distance from vulnerable individuals like elderly, young children and immuno-compromised persons.

Shared dishes such as hotpots and steamboats can still be enjoyed, but don’t let your guard down for momentary convenience’s or excitement’s sake. Ensure each person uses one set of utensils for serving and a separate set for individual eating, to prevent contamination. 

If you’re hosting such gatherings, be sure to inform all attendees of such safety measures beforehand, so that everyone will be on the same page.

COVERING FOOD SAFETY BASES

During festive periods, many Singaporeans find a sense of comfort and tradition in serving and sharing food cooked at home. 

Here, the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) offers many practical tips: For example, make sure all meats and poultry are cooked thoroughly and before consumption, and that liquid-based dishes like curries, soups and gravies are brought to boiling point before serving. 

HEALTH BEGINS WITH US

In the face of ongoing risks to public health like Covid-19 and AMR, safety begins with each of us. 

As you shop for festive goodies in the coming weeks and months, be sure to add some hand wash and sanitisers to your cart. Let’s strive for celebrations that are happy and healthy.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Adrick Ang is the country director at Reckitt Singapore.

Related topics

health public health festive Chinese New Year

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