Feverishly Fighting the Flu

Flu season is upon us.  I know because a feverish, coughing preschooler climbed into bed with me last night.

Why do fevers get such a bad rap?  I find them helpful – telling me that my child isn’t faking, keeping her in bed where she belongs, and revealing that her immune system is fighting the bug.

It’s the coughing I can’t stand.  Coughing equals sleepless nights, crying, sometimes vomiting, and spreading germs.  Yuck!

The company I worked for in Calgary recognized employees who had perfect attendance.  One woman received the award repeatedly.  This was the same woman who came to work when she was ill, germs oozing from every pore.  Thankfully, corporate eventually cancelled the award and encouraged employees to stay home when unwell.

Five things contribute to me getting sick:  1) Direct contact with germs, 2) Unhealthy eating, 3) Excess stress, 4) Inadequate rest, 5) Getting chilled.  If I have any combination of at least three of these, I’ll get sick.

As a mother of young children who cough (and sneeze and breathe) indiscriminately, it’s difficult to always get enough rest and avoid direct contact with germs.  So, I have to try extra hard in the other areas, like limiting fast food and excess sugar, pacing myself to avoid stress, taking power naps when needed, and dressing warmly when I go out.

We can help our families and communities stay well by washing hands properly (it’s alarming how many don’t do this!), using antibacterial wipes on busy surfaces (like banisters, remotes, and doorknobs), and coughing or sneezing into tissues or elbows.

And for coughing out loud, take a sick day if you need one!