Good handwashing hygiene is important to stay healthy, and can help reduce transmission of many contagious diseases, according to Intermountain Health doctors.
(PRUnderground) December 18th, 2025
It is respiratory virus season, meaning flu, COVID and RSV are circulating — and just in time for the winter holidays.
Flu shots and updated COVID vaccines are suggested by doctors for people ages 6 months and older. RSV vaccines are recommended for seniors, those at risk, and pregnant mothers.
An important way to provide additional protection from viruses is by practicing good handwashing hygiene.
“Good handwashing hygiene is very important to stay healthy, and it can help reduce transmission of many of the contagious diseases we’re currently dealing with,” Alexander Olaveson, DO, a family medicine physician at Intermountain Health’s North Ogden Clinic.
“Use an antibacterial hand soap and warm water and wash for as long as it takes you to sing your ABCs. Be sure to wash both sides of your hand, the palm and the back of your hand, and in between your fingers,” he added.
Dr. Olaveson reminds people it’s especially important to wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, or after being out in public.
“Hand sanitizers are a good option when you’re on the go, and there are different varieties for sensitive skin,” he added.
“During the holiday season, isolating when you’re sick is recommended. It’s understandable we all want to be together, but we also want to stay safe and have respect for others. Take the time to rest and recover,” he added.
“You can be contagious before you have symptoms. So, isolate as soon as you develop symptoms. And after blowing your nose, throw away the tissue. Coughs can linger, so that makes isolation tricky, but do your best,” said Dr. Olaveson.
It’s not too late to get a flu shot or other immunizations
Intermountain Health primary care providers and pharmacists say if you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet this season, it’s not too late. There are several different versions of the flu vaccines, from shots to nasal mists, along with formulations for older adults. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the right version for you.
“Influenza can lead to Multiple complications, such as pneumonia or needing respiratory assistance and/or supplemental oxygen,” said Dr. Olaveson.
According to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, there are people at increased risk for flu complications which can lead to hospitalization or even death. They include:
- Adults over age 65
- Children younger than two years of age
- People with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems
- People with a body mass index of 40 kg/m2 or higher
- Pregnant women
- People who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
If you have questions about what vaccines or immunizations are recommended for you, talk with your trusted primary care provider who knows your medical history, family health history, and is up to date on the latest medical research about vaccine efficacy and what viruses are circulating in your local area.
To find a primary care provider near you, visit intermountainhealth.org. To find an intermountain health clinic near you that offers flu shots, visit the flu vaccine page on intermountainhealth.org.
For more information about respiratory diseases circulating in Utah, visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services respiratory dashboard.
About Intermountain Health
Headquartered in Utah with locations in six states and additional operations across the western U.S., Intermountain Health is a nonprofit system of 33 hospitals, over 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://news.intermountainhealth.org/. For more information, see intermountainhealth.org/ or call 801-442-2000.
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Original Press Release.
