Key points

Common holiday accidents include burns from turkey fryers, falls from decorating, and tripping over extension cords.
Food-related illnesses and fires caused by Christmas trees and candles are also frequent during the holiday season.
Carrying luggage can cause injuries to back, neck, and shoulders.
The flu is common during the holiday season, affecting up to 20% of the population.
If medical attention is required, it's recommended to find a nearby urgent care center for prompt assistance.

Accident Prone: Common Holiday Accidents [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Most Common Holiday Accidents

The average temperature of oil used in a turkey fryer can reach 350 degrees, which can lead to 3rd degree burns. [1] [2] [3]
13,000 people are seen each year for accidents related to holiday decorations. [4]
5,800 accidents occur when people fall putting up decorations during the holiday season. [5]
About 2,000 people every winter are treated for lacerations, sprains, and more due to tripping over extension cords. [6]
50% of Christmas tree fires happen between December 22 through January 5, due to faulty lights, candle decorations, and more. [11]
1 in 6 Americans suffer from food-borne illnesses each year. [7] [8]
Thawing a turkey in an uncontrolled environment can lead to illness. [9]
Candle-started fires make up 13% of home fires each December [10]
Over 100,000 people are treated for scalding accidents per year. [12]
About 1,062 injuries are due to space heaters each winter. [11]
Hypothermia can occur at cold temperatures of 40 degrees Farenheit or colder [13]
Over 55,000 people sustain injuries to back, neck, and shoulders each year due to carrying luggage. [14]
Up to 20 percent of the population gets the flu each year, which begins in the fall and peaks around January or February. [15] [16]

Sources:

FAQs

What are some common accidents during the holiday season?

Common accidents include burns from cooking, falls from decorating, tripping over extension cords, and fires caused by Christmas trees and candles.

Are there any common illnesses during the holiday season?

Yes, food-borne illnesses and the flu are common during the holiday season.

Can carrying luggage cause injuries?

Yes, carrying heavy luggage can cause injuries to the back, neck, and shoulders.

Are there any specific risks associated with cooking during the holidays?

Yes, the use of turkey fryers can lead to severe burns, and improper thawing of a turkey can lead to food-borne illnesses.

What precautions can be taken to avoid these common holiday accidents?

Precautions include being careful while cooking and decorating, checking Christmas tree and candle decorations for potential fire hazards, and handling luggage properly to avoid injuries.

What are some common causes of food-borne illnesses during the holidays?

Food-borne illnesses can be caused by improperly thawing a turkey in an uncontrolled environment.

What are some common injuries during the winter season?

Common winter injuries include those due to tripping over extension cords, scalding accidents, injuries due to space heaters, and hypothermia.

Where can I seek medical attention if I have a holiday-related accident?

If you find yourself needing medical attention, you can find a nearby urgent care center to get the help you need.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD

Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine physician and urgent care executive. He earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College, currently serves on multiple boards and is Solv’s Chief Medical Officer.

How we reviewed this article

Medically reviewed

View this article’s sources and history, and read more about Solv’s Content Mission Statement, editorial process, and editorial team.

History

Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.

December 04 2018
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD