Holiday safety checklist for illness prevention 12.18.25

December 18, 2025

Holiday safety checklist for illness prevention

MOBILE, Ala. — Holiday travel and gatherings are increasing the chances of exposure to respiratory viruses and measles right now. Measles activity is higher than in a typical year, so awareness and vaccination matter.

Current measles situation

The U.S. has reported more than 1,900 measles cases in 2025, the highest level since measles was declared eliminated in 2000, with most cases in people who are unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status.

Multiple outbreaks are ongoing in communities with lower vaccination coverage, and several severe cases and deaths have occurred, including in previously healthy children.

Measles symptoms and contagious period

Measles usually starts with cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and fever, followed a few days later by a rash that begins on the face/head and spreads downward over the body.

A person with measles is typically contagious from about four days before the rash appears through four days after rash onset, which is why public health takes exposures so seriously.

Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis, hospitalization, and death, especially in unvaccinated children, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.

Flu-like illness and influenza

Influenza and other respiratory viruses also increase in the fall and winter, often beginning with upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and fever or feeling feverish.

Because early symptoms of flu, other viral illnesses, and even early measles can overlap, staying home when sick and seeking testing based on clinical advice helps protect others, especially during holiday gatherings and travel.

Protecting yourself and others this holiday

“Practical holiday-season reminders,” says Dr. Kevin Michaels, Health Officer for Mobile County. “Check your vaccination status and make sure you and your family are up to date on MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) and flu vaccines before traveling or attending large events. The MMR vaccination is up to 97 effective in prevention measles.

“If you develop fever with cough, runny nose, or red eyes, and especially if you later notice a rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body, contact a healthcare provider before arriving so infection-control precautions can be arranged.”