Dr Phil Kieran: I am worried we'll pass on a virus to my elderly parents at Christmas

You can take a few simple steps to try and ensure they aren’t at any increased risk. From your description, it sounds like they are in reasonable health for their age and have already ensured they are up-to-date with their vaccinations. Being fully vaccinated is the most important thing they can do to stay healthier in winter.

If your children are unwell when you plan to visit, I would suggest changing your plans. I don’t necessarily mean if they have a very mild cough or a runny nose but are otherwise fine; it’s more if they have a fever or have been acutely unwell recently. On this note, if your children have just recovered from an illness, try to reduce the hugs and kisses they share with their grandparents (good luck enforcing that one, though).

Limiting the number of people you are around in the week leading up to travelling may be helpful. If there are multiple work nights out, perhaps you should consider skipping some or all of them this year. 

Keeping your distance would help reduce the risk of picking up a virus that kicks in when you arrive at your parents’ house.

Another thing you can do to boost your immune system is to ensure you get enough sleep. Getting seven to eight hours a night can be challenging at this time of year when we are all struggling to get last-minute Christmas admin sorted, but it is worth prioritising. Also, avoid drinking too much alcohol and maintain a decent intake of vegetables in your diet, a good source of vitamins and minerals.

If you are flying, I strongly recommend wearing a mask. Airports and planes are crowded environments where viruses can pass easily from those around you. Also, carrying your own hand sanitiser is helpful, as the surfaces you touch in high-traffic areas can be hotspots for viruses.

When you are at your parents’ house, the advice is very similar to what we heard during the first two years of covid. Careful handwashing and hand sanitising are required, particularly when you arrive. Hand washing is also needed before meals. Practising respiratory etiquette is critical, too. This means covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue immediately in the bin before sanitising your hands.

Those over 70 or with other medical diagnoses are at increased risk of developing more severe illnesses than younger, healthier people. Still, If you follow the precautions I’ve suggested, the risk is not too significant.

• If you have a question for Dr Phil Kieran, please send it to parenting@examiner.ie