Traveling during the holiday season can increase your exposure to germs — and your chance of getting sick. But a few steps can reduce the risks.

Lower temperatures cause flu viruses to thrive, Cleveland Clinic’s Donald Dumford said. Also, crowds encountered while flying or driving can help respiratory infections including colds and COVID-19 to thrive and spread, he said.

Hospitalizations for the flu typically start increasing in Cuyahoga County in October before peaking in December and January and then decreasing in February.

Cuyahoga Board of Public Health Respiratory Dashboard

Dumford, an infectious disease physician, suggested two primary ways to protect yourself.

“Everybody can get vaccinated," Dumford said. "Otherwise make sure you're washing your hands frequently, especially whe

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