Cold and flu season.
It’s an unavoidable part of the year, full of used tissues, cups of tea, and daytime TV. Now that I’ve had my share of colds and the flu, I feel like I’ve learned my share – here’s the top five things I’ve learned about having the flu:
1. Don’t be a hero. Admit you’re sick:
Let’s face it, no one wants to be sick. It seems like the first day of any flu is full of denial and saying “nah, it’s not so bad” to anyone who asks if you’re unwell. In those early moments I think we all want to believe that we’re either not sick, or we’re the exception to the rule or can just tough things out.
But here’s the thing. If you don’t take time to rest, care for yourself and get healthy, it’s going to take forever to get better. Don’t be a hero, cancel plans, call in sick and rest up.
2. Is it a cold or the flu?
What sort of sick are you? It’s easy to get colds and the flu mixed up but it’s worth knowing because it changes how you should be caring for yourself –
this chart will help you tell the difference.
3. Don’t be that person
Remember how this is no time to be a hero? Well that applies to going work, school or other places full of people you could get sick. It can totally feel like you’re letting people down, falling behind, or like you should be able to tough it out – but seriously, everyone would rather you stay home than you get them sick as well.
4. There is no such thing as too much tea
Do the things that make you feel better when you’re sick, or if you’re like me, whine until someone takes pity and does it for you.
For me, this means drinking lots and lots of ginger tea. Some people go for soup, hot baths, or simply napping as much as possible. Do the thing that’s going to make you feel better, because the flu is pretty miserable.
5. Flu shot = totally worth it
What’s better than getting through having the flu? Not getting the flu.
Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the flu shot. It’s easy to get and can save you a lot of gloom!
Besides getting the flu shot, there are lots of other important prevention steps you can take to keep you and your family health,
check them out.