Common Ailments That Occur Around Thanksgiving

The holiday season is a time to celebrate, revel in the company of family and friends, enjoy some delicious food, and be thankful. In order to keep the focus on celebrating, rather than dealing with an injury, it’s a good idea to be aware of potential accidents that can occur as you prepare, eat, and wrap up your Thanksgiving feast.

Here are a few of the ailments that walk-in clinics routinely see around Thanksgiving, along with some tips on how to handle them:

• Foodborne illnesses – Preparing a turkey, though relatively easy, is something that most cooks do only a few times a year. Raw turkey must be handled carefully and cooked thoroughly. Consuming an undercooked bird can lead to foodborne illnesses such as salmonella poisoning, and the associated vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If you’re affected, you should drink plenty of water and oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea. For severe abdominal pains, you should seek emergency medical treatment.

• Skin burns – All of the holiday kitchen activity, which includes people bustling around hot ovens, stoves, microwaves, pots, and dishes, can sometimes result in skin burns. Most minor burns can be treated at home by running the burned skin under cool water until the pain subsides, then covering it with a bandage. If further pain relief is needed, over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Large burns on the face, neck, or hands warrant prompt medical attention.

• Sprains and strains – During family get-togethers, some people who are typically inactive during the rest of the year tend to get caught up in the lively fun. As such, they might feel inspired to participate in post-dinner football games and other physical pursuits. Sometimes, this can end badly – in the form of injuries. If you suspect a sprain or strain, rest with the injured leg or arm above your heart to help reduce swelling. Apply cold packs and take over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. If the pain and swelling persist for more than one to two days, you should see a doctor.

• Hangovers – Sometimes, celebrating can be too much of a good thing – especially if it involves drinking alcohol. You might find this out the next day, when you wake up feeling queasy and achy all over. To function well and feel good again, you need to be rehydrated. To accomplish this, drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks or, for faster relief, visit a walk-in clinic for IV-based hangover therapy. After being assessed by a medical professional, you can relax in a comfortable treatment room as you receive a hydrating mix of saline solution, vitamin B12, anti-nausea medication, and an optional pain reliever.

By taking a few precautions, you can keep yourself and your family safe as you maintain the festive spirit throughout the holidays. If you have questions or would like to see a doctor, please contact or visit South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa, FL.