I feel like I’m preparing for battle every time Cold and Flu Season comes around. It never fails, no matter what I do, I catch a cold almost every month. It’s not surprising considering I have a chronic illness and my medications weaken my immune system.
Hearing people sneeze when they are near me is like hearing nails on a chalkboard. I cringe. I know my body isn’t prepared to fight off a simple cold and it will only be a matter of time before I wake up congested with nonstop snot running out of my nose. Ugh, the horror.
I’ve become more vigilant in trying to avoid catching a cold, but more importantly the flu. And right now there is a Flu Epidemic so I’m doing everything I can to avoid it, short of living in a bubble. I always get my flu shot towards the end of summer. Again, nothing is 100%, but it’s worth a shot (pun intended).
This is all very simple and you would think it’s common sense, but it doesn’t hurt to state the obvious:
- Wash your hands! If you ever pay attention you’ll be horrified to realize how many times you touch your face. I wash my hands all the time, plus I have hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Take your vitamins! I know, I don’t ever talk about medications or supplements because that is a conversation you need to have with your doctor. But seriously, our bodies need all the help we can get. I haven’t been as lazy as I have in the past when it comes to taking my vitamins. Besides, gummy vitamins are delicious.
- I actually have worn a face mask around the office when everyone was sick. I know it wouldn’t 100% prevent me from catching anything, but I didn’t think it would hurt. I sat through entire meetings wearing a mask and some people thought I was joking. However, days later when some of them came down with the cold that was going around and I was 100% fine they weren’t laughing.
- Clean commonly used appliances/surfaces. At work, I wipe down my desk every morning with Lysol wipes. Keyboard, mouse, phone, etc., a quick wipe down won’t hurt.
- Get plenty of rest and hydrate. Again, your body needs all the help it can get.
I hope I don’t sound like a nut, nothing is going to 100% prevent the flu or a cold, but it doesn’t hurt to take some simple preventative measures. Be safe out there this Cold and Flu Season!
