It comes on quick, and it comes out of nowhere. Illness plagues every family. Ever since my children were kindergarten age, we have been hit with multiple viruses throughout the year. Most are annoying colds, but some have been more severe. We did get some reprieve during the pandemic, a time when we were separated from the rest of the world. This isolation time was beneficial for decreasing illnesses. Our family did not get one single cold during the lockdown! As we all know, isolation is not healthy for the mind. Unfortunately, we cannot have it all. There is no way to engage with other humans while avoiding viruses. They go hand-in-hand.
Here are some tips that can help mitigate the frequency and severity of viruses:

Basic hygiene

I feel like this topic has been crammed down our throats ever since COVID struck.
But, the basis is true.

• Handwashing is key to preventing illness. We all need to slow down and remember to take TIME to wash our hands. Get a good lather of soap, and work it into the nooks and crannies on our hands. Sing “happy birthday” for the duration of your handwashing time.
• Keep your 10 dirtiest parts of your body (your fingers) away from my face. Chewing on fingers and rubbing your eyes are a good source of infection transfer. Disinfect, disinfect, disinfect.
• Wipe down commonly touched surfaces in your home, especially when a family member is fighting a virus. These surfaces include, but are not limited to, doorknobs, handrails, faucets, countertops, and fridge and cabinet handles.

Hydration

No matter the amount of liquids you typically consume in an average day, be sure to increase that amount when you are sick. Stick with water, teas, and broths. If your body yearns for some ginger ale or juice, listen to it. If nothing sounds appealing, try taking small sips regularly throughout the day of SOME liquid. Dehydration is your biggest enemy.

Common Courtesy

One of my biggest pet peeves is hearing a nasty cough in a setting with other patrons or visualizing a child or adult with a drippy nose. Most adults will say, “Oh, I have allergies.” But do they? Are they just saying that so I don’t freak out? I wish everyone would abide by the unspoken Courtesy Rule of AVOIDANCE when sick. If you are not feeling well, please do not share this with those around you. It is 100% okay to stay home from work or school to heal up. Most people would prefer to be short-staffed than exposed to nasty viruses.
And, if you must be around people and are at a stage of uncertainty with how contagious you truly are, please mask up. We are now at a point where judgment is not passed with masks. If you want to mask-up, mask-up. If you don’t, don’t. Most people will appreciate your concern of transmission.
Parents should teach children at any early age how to cover their mouths when they cough.
And please, please, PLEASE do not teach them to cover their mouth with their hands. The best is the “vampire”: cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Teach your children how to mask-up, or keep them home. I love children, but they are carrier monkeys!

Some other Tips and Tricks

• If you are sick, instead of going out into the world and spreading the joy of disease, stay home and let others help you. You may have a friend or family member who can drop off basic supplies, such as food and medicine. If not, then use DoorDash and other delivery services to your advantage.
• Pre-emptively stock up on basic supplies, should you become ill. It’s always good to have some shelf-stable soups and crackers on the shelf for these unpredictable times. And, don’t forget Advil, NyQuil, electrolyte packets and daytime cough medicines. When shopping while healthy, remember that many people go down the medicine aisle at the store when sick. Virus transfer is often through infected items that have been touched, and some of these viruses can stay on the surface of the items for a couple weeks. After shopping in these particular aisles (and shopping in general), be sure to wipe down products. Even better: consider buying medicines from an outfit that does not have multiple human hands touching the product, such as an online store with quick delivery times.
• Live a healthy life. Viruses strike those who don’t have good defense mechanisms. Get plenty of sleep at night, drink plenty of healthy fluids (caffeinated and high-sugar drinks do not count), and eat those vegetables. Aim to maintain a healthy weight. Individuals who are markedly over- or under-weight are more prone to complications from illnesses.
• Positivity. Mental anguish and stresses break down our defenses against the illnesses in the world. Take time each day to focus on positive occurrences in your life and hone in on the positives rather than the negatives. Remain optimistic. Stop watching the news and opt for movies that make you smile. Take time for yourself each day. Slow down. Smile. Invite strangers into a nice conversation. Do something nice for someone without asking for anything in return.

I hate illnesses. I am writing this just after recovering from the stomach flu. It was brutal and I contracted it despite the steps listed above. Sometimes that happens in life. But I know that if I didn’t practice good hygiene and mental and physical steps to promote a healthy lifestyle, I’d likely be contracting even more nasty viruses. I can’t stop my children from bringing crud home with them from school and I can’t stop strangers from coughing in public, but if we all take small steps, we can help mitigate some of the spread.

Stay healthy, be healthy, and be positive.

Laura D