Are you hosting friends and family to watch the big game (and the big performance from Usher)? Before you put out the chips and start filling the cooler, remember that parties are the perfect opportunity for germs to spread. No need to cancel — we can help you tackle germs while you enjoy the big game.
Germs that Can Spoil the Party
Unfortunately for football fans, the Super Bowl arrives at the same time as the peak of several winter illnesses. These germs are still lingering and causing infections that could wreak havoc on your fun:
- Flu
- COVID-19
- RSV
- Strep Throat
- Norovirus (stomach bug)
Send your friends home with only good memories, not a week-long bug. Here’s how you can cheer on your team and enjoy the Super Bowl without getting everyone sick.
Start with Clean Hands
As host of the party, you’re going to be putting in a lot of work in the kitchen, and your guests trust you to create a safe environment for celebrating. Start off your party prep by thoroughly washing your hands before you cook and set up.
To encourage your guests to also keep their hands safe and clean, make sure hand soap and sanitizer are readily available throughout your home. With everyone high-fiving and cheering, you’ll want guests to clean up before they raid the snack table.
Skip the Punch Bowl
It’s fun to make a large batch drink for all of your friends, but with sneezes and coughs coming from every direction, the punch bowl could be the epicenter of an outbreak. Instead, serve up your specialty drink in fun and creative ways. You could use single-serving pouches (adult Capri-Suns, anyone?) to avoid germs swimming in the punch bowl. If you’re not one for a fancy cocktail recipe, canned drinks are also a safer alternative.
Avoid Sharing Drinks
Everyone knows that drinking after another person exposes you to all of their germs — especially the flu. But as the beers start to flow, people might feel less concerned about who they’re sharing a cup with. Put out a marker so that your guests can write their names on their cups to avoid any accidental mix-ups.
Make Single-Serve Charcuterie
No party is complete without a charcuterie board these days. But rather than setting out your spread and allowing your guests to graze, you can make single-serve charcuterie skewers. These are easy to grab and put on your plate without too much contact with the food. If your guests are looking for something heartier, you can also fill cups with your favorite meats, cheeses, and snacks for a more filling version.
Bring Out the Serveware
Still, finger foods are pretty much the star of any Super Bowl party spread. Chips, dips, buffalo wings, and sliders are always a hit — but they also invite a lot of germs right onto your dinner table.
When fans watch their team go for a tricky fourth and one play, they’re bound to be stress-eating straight out of the chip bowl. Make sure you provide tongs, small plates, and other serveware to encourage your guest to take out their anxiety on their own plates. And while we hope that everyone knows better than to double dip, having spoons at the ready should cut down on any mistakes.
Keep Communication Open
Things happen. If someone comes down with the flu or Covid in the days following your party, then it’s time to start a text chain to let everyone know. That way, anyone who was potentially infected can avoid immunocompromised people and visit the doctor for tests or treatment.
We hope everyone has a safe and exciting Super Bowl Sunday. Whether or not your team comes out on top, consider yourself a winner for taking precautions and staying healthy.
Interested in infection prevention for your sports team or school? Reach out to us to learn more about Sports-O-Zone sanitizing solutions.
