Flu cases have been particularly high this winter season, and experts warn that the peak may not yet have been reached. This rise in infections highlights the importance of taking preventive measures to protect yourself and those around you.

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and others. The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of infection, limits the spread of the virus, and significantly decreases the likelihood of severe illness or complications. CHIS Members can receive their flu vaccination through their general practitioner or pharmacy in France or Switzerland, with reimbursement handled according to CHIS guidelines.

Alongside vaccination, adopting basic preventive measures can reduce transmission and protect yourself and those around you. Among these, hand hygiene is one of the most important.

🖐️ Did you know that 80 % of microbes are transmitted by the hands?[1] This means that many infectious viruses can be passed either by direct contact or by touching contaminated objects and then touching the face (eyes, nose, mouth).

🖐️Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, when necessary, is strongly recommended.

🖐️Effective hand washing can therefore not only lowers your risk of catching an infection but also helps limit the transmission of viruses to others.[2]

Other actions to prevent the virus include:

• Ventilating indoor spaces
• Coughing or sneezing into your elbow
• Using a disposable tissue when sneezing and disposing of it immediately
• Wearing a mask in certain circumstances, such as on public transport (tram, train, or bus) or in crowded indoor spaces
• Maintaining appropriate physical distance from others, especially if they are unwell

Simple preventive steps, combined with vaccination, can help keep you and those around you safer this season.

The holiday season is often a whirlwind of activities: gift shopping, meal planning, back-to-back invitations, partying... A festive marathon that, while being heartwarming, can also exhaust the body and mind. Between stress, fatigue, and indulgences, our balance can waver without us even realising it.

However, savouring the time off at the end of the year and the magic of the holidays while preserving your well-being is entirely possible. The secret lies in simple, consistent habits: take time to rest, stay active with a walk or workout, and make space for genuine moments with the people who matter most.

On the UPMC Health Beat website, you’ll find five essential tips to get through the festive season in great shape:

🧼 Ward off germs – Wash your hands frequently, avoid sharing glasses or cutlery, and remember to ventilate your rooms well.

🥗 Healthy food choices – Enjoy holiday dishes, but balance them with lighter meals rich in fruits and vegetables.

🧣 Prepare for the cold – Dress warmly, moisturise your skin, and maintain an exercise routine adapted to the weather.

😌 Manage holiday stress – Take breaks, breathe deeply, and delegate tasks when possible.

😴 Make sleep a priority – Nothing beats a good rest to recharge your batteries and face the festivities with good spirits.

In short, it’s not about giving up the joy of the holidays but finding the right balance.  🎅✨

Although the region is rich in outdoor activities year-round, we’re fortunate that with the first snowfall, winter sports are ushered into the mix —from skiing and snowboarding to Nordic skiing, ice skating and snowshoeing. These activities are an excellent way to stay active and appreciate the impressive mountain scenery, but they also carry certain risks that can easily be underestimated.

Staying safe on the slopes

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, taking a few precautions can significantly reduce the risk of injury:

• Warm up properly before hitting the slopes.
• Wear appropriate gear, including helmets, gloves, and layered clothing.
• Respect trail markers and choose slopes that match your skill level.
• Don’t hesitate to book some lessons with a professional.
• Stay aware of weather conditions.

Italy is the first country in the world to make wearing a helmet mandatory for all ages across all ski resorts.

Check out the article from the Medical Service included in our December issue of the CHIS Bull’ for more information on preventing winter sport injuries and how the CHIS covers these accidents.  

Down in town – be careful of slips and falls

Even outside winter sports, icy surfaces create hazards in everyday life:

• Use footwear with good traction to reduce slipping.
• Walk slowly and take small steps when sidewalks or parking lots are icy.
• Keep hands free when possible, having your hands in your pockets makes it harder to regain balance.
• Look out for black ice.

Whether on the slopes or in town, by staying aware of your surroundings, using proper equipment, and being careful on icy surfaces, you can fully enjoy the season while avoiding injuries.

Movember is almost here — and it’s more than just moustaches.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men[1], especially those over the age of 50[2]. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve outcomes, which is why awareness and proactive health checks are so important.

Encompassed in the campaign is also the awareness of testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is less common than prostate cancer, but it primarily affects younger men[3]. Self-checks and regular screenings can help to detect the cancer early.

For more information on the cancer awareness campaign this November with the Medical Service, please visit their website: Cancer awareness and prevention | HSE unit at CERN

Throughout the month of November, the “Month Without Tobacco” initiative provides you with the tools and support needed to succeed in stopping smoking. Please click on the title for more information.

Mushroom picking is one of autumn’s pleasures… provided you know what you’re doing! If in doubt, never pick an unknown mushroom — some of the 3,000 species recorded in France can be toxic or even deadly. Click on the title for more information.

Flu is a contagious virus that can cause anything from mild illness to serious complications, especially in high-risk groups like young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with underlying health issues or weakened immune systems. Please click on the title for more information.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the aim of promoting screening and prevention of the disease.

Please click on the title for more information.

While staying active and eating well is important all year round, on the 16^th of September you will be able to benefit from useful advice and tips about healthy lifestyles during a special campaign on the Meyrin site!

Interactive information stands will be located at R1 and the Main Building from 10 am to 3 pm and you can attend the expert talks hosted by professionals from HUG and other CERN partners in the Main Auditorium from 12.30pm to 2pm.

For more information, please visit the HSE website: Medical Service - Move more eat better campaign | HSE unit at CERN

Rising temperatures and heat waves pose a serious risk to our health. Heat can cause fatigue, headaches and can also lead to dehydration or heat stroke.

Simple actions can prevent these serious and harmful consequences to your health. For more information on how to adopt the right reflexes in case of high heat and what to during a heat wave, click here

You can also consult the CERN Heatwave Action Plan for the latest information and news.