Unlike many medical conditions that stay with you for long periods of time, colds, the flu and other common illnesses are typically pretty short-lived. In most cases, they come to an end after a week or two. But that doesn't mean they aren't stressful while they are wreaking havoc on your body.
So what can you do to handle the stress of getting sick with something like a cold, the flu, a stomach virus or strep throat?
- First, plan ahead. You never know when you are going to get sick. It's something that's just impossible to predict. Make sure you have basic over-the-counter medications on hand so you don't have to worry about getting to the pharmacy when you are feeling at your worst. Medications like fever reducers/pain relievers, decongestants and antihistamines are good to have on hand. I also like to keep a few bottles of saline spray or a clean neti pot to help relieve sinus congestion. Buy them when they are on sale or buy generic to save some money!
- Invest in a humidifier for everyone's bedroom -- especially if you have children. Cool mist humidifiers can be a great tool to use when you have any type of respiratory infection (colds, the flu, viral infections) because they help moisten the airways and nasal passages and make it easier to breathe when you are sleeping. There are not a lot of medications out there that are safe or effective for young children, so humidifiers are a great way to help your child feel better when he is sick.
- Have emergency childcare plans in place. If you don't have family nearby that can help out in a pinch, find a good friend or babysitter that you trust so you know someone will be there if you get sick and need help taking care of your children. Trust me, it's hard to take care of your kids when you can't get out of bed.
- Find a good health care provider now. If you don't have a regular physician, take the time to find one while you are well. At the very least, get names and recommendations from friends, neighbors or coworkers so you have an idea of who to call if you end up needing to see a doctor when you get sick.
- Rest when you need to. One of my biggest problems is not slowing down when I'm sick. Stay home from work if you need to, don't worry about cleaning the house or cooking meals and spend as much time as you possibly can resting when you are sick. You'll recover more quickly that way and you can always get to the other stuff when you are feeling better.
Following just a few of these tips will help reduce your stress level if and when you get sick. Because the last thing you need when you have a cold, the flu or a stomach virus is more stress!
