Yvonne's cold and flu recommendations

Hi all,

Today i've had an easy day at home, well it's not been completely easy because my immune system is working hard to fight off some very brave bugs. I say brave, because my immune system seems to be quite tough as i rarely get sick. Last year i took off one day's sick leave and this year there's been one. My usual pattern is to start feeling like i'm getting a bug but it usually doesn't develop into the a full blown cold or flu. Ofcourse I can't claim any credit for this. I have wondered if my twice weekly visits to doctors surgeries and health centres for work may help my immune system get a lot of practice over the last few years. Although, ever since leaving home I don't think i've been sick much. I do quite seriously believe that praying makes all the difference. Here's my recommended combination to help avoid cold's/flu, when you first start to feel some symptoms coming on:

1. Ask God to help you not get sick, (he quite wisely invented an immune system, so don't go around saying "I'm getting sick" or "i think i'm getting a cold" and roll over into acceptance of it). And ofcourse being God, it's quite easy for him to keep you well if he'd like to at that time.

2. Get enough sleep. When you feel extra tired it's a message to slow down, rest so you're body can put energy into getting better, lay low and take a break from your work. Powering through the day is likely to cause you to develop the cold/flu or to be sick for longer, so it's not a time saver. Keep warm as well.

3. Eat lots of fruit and vegetables and at least 2-3 pieces of fruit OR 1 glass of good juice per day. Pay extra attention to this. Also limit fatty and sugary foods because they will give you the kilojoules without the nutrients, so go for nutrient-dense foods to help feed your immune system.

4. Drink lots of water, especially when fighting off the bugs because your thirst and hunger sensations can be dulled (well that's what happens to me) and also you may be losing extra fluid.

5. Avoid going to see people with weaker immune systems such as elderly people or to places where they don't need more bugs, like hospitals.

6. Wash your hands more so that you're flatmates are less likely to pick up the bugs from things you touch (colds/flu are transferred by contact and droplets, not air). Even if you don't develop a full on cold/flu you are still carrying the bugs.

I also think that if you do regular exercise in your normal lifestyle that it also helps prevent colds/flu. (30mins of walking on most days).

And if you do get sick, just look after yourself and those around you and do all of the above as well.

cheers
yvonne