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Working in a germ-factory like a school, it is almost impossible to avoid coming down with something when everyone else has it. You can get all the rest in the world, take Vitamin C, eat healthy, and avoid touching your face; but inevitably, eventually you will catch something. So how do you deal?
I am a special case because I am deathly allergic to penicillin and most of the alternatives, so I don't even bother going to the doctor when I'm sick. I just have to suffer it out. I do take NyQuil to help me get through the first couple of nights, and DayQuil when I have to go to work. They don't work well, but they take the edge off.
First, I drink LOTS of juice. Water is too rough/tastes weird on my throat when I'm sick, so I make a half juice/half water concoction and drink that 24/7. Yes, yes, I know that juice is mostly sugar, but I'm sick so I feel that I can have a free pass on this one. Besides, it's better than the constant flow of 7UP, which is all I would drink when I was sick as a kid!
Hot tea and coffee help too, but avoid any kind of dairy creamers. Milk and cream in general are not a good idea when sick with a cold or flu, because liquid dairy can increase mucus production. Some studies have debunked this as a myth, but I'm just saying it from personal experience. Every time I have milk or cream or ice cream when I am sick, I feel a little worse. Cheese seems to be okay. Better to be safe than sorry!
Chicken soup, or any kind of soup, is good for you. It's easier for your body to digest, and just feels comforting!! My favorite is Marie Callender's Potato Cheese, but it's expensive and there isn't a Marie's near where I live now. I settle for Tomato Basil from Fresh & Easy, or some sort of Chicken Noodle. I have a great recipe for Zucchini Soup with a chicken broth base, and I would have made it this week if I didn't feel so terrible! Next time I make it, I'll post the recipe!
The other two things that help when I'm sick are lots of trashy magazines and lots of sleep. The celebrity gossip is so much fun and I don't have to think much, plus the more sleep I can get, the faster I feel better.
That's it... I know there are tons of home cold/flu remedies out there but I'm simple and stick to the basics.
What are your favorite home cold/flu remedies? How do you deal when you're sick? I'd be happy to hear any good advice!
Now, I'm going back to bed!
Until next time,
J
I hope you'll feel better soon! Rebecca and I are sick right now also, it's not fun. I stayed home from work yesterday only to discover that it would have been easier to go to work because you can't actually sit down and rest with a toddler. I also drink a lot of OJ, and eat soups. I typically don't go to the dr or take any meds, I just try to let it run its course.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the well wishings! I am feeling slightly better today, but still really stuffed up! I hope you and Rebecca are on the mend, too!
DeleteMy daughter has been really sick all week---she has a sore throat and is terribly congested, but still had to show up for work every day. She lives in Orlando so I couldn't rush over with a kettle of homemade chicken noodle soup--but has been taking over the counter stuff. I've always heard that the best remedy to use the MINUTE you feel it coming on is Emergen-C (or whatever it's called). Have you ever tried it? Does it work?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! I hope your daughter feels better soon. The congested/sore throat thing is what I have too... it's going around even though it's still really hot outside! I have tried Emergen-C in the past but it didn't work or do anything noticeable to me. :(
DeleteWhen I look at the image that you posted and imagine that you are feeling as bad as that poor little girl . . . my heart goes out to you. You are in my prayers, wishing you a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteYour blogging sister, Connie :)