Cold and flu season has returned

By Jamie Rieger

It’s that time of the year once again. Look around and people are sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and blowing their noses.

Cold and flu season is here. Time to make sure I am taking my Vitamin C, getting my rest, and not shaking too many hands.

I don’t think it matters how careful one is to not get sick, being out in the public on a daily basis, there really is no avoiding it.

There was a time in my life when I never got sick and had perfect attendance at school, in fact. A good diet, plenty of fresh air, and a sleeping pattern probably had a lot to do with it.

That all changed when I became an adult and was out there in the ‘real world’. I would catch colds and flus just like everybody else.

Since last year, my immune system has been compromised, so I have to be even more vigilent about taking care of myself and i do have my good days and my bad days.

I try to eat healthier and try to get some fresh air every day. I do sleep better these days and get about an hour or two more of sleep time a night than what I used to.

Still, I see people coughing and sneezing and I really wish people would stay home when they are under the weather, instead of getting everybody in town infected. I could get into a whole spiel about reduced productivity and “you aren’t doing anybody any favours by showing up sick”, but I won’t, except to say, “You aren’t being a hero by showing up ill. In fact, you are showing a lack of respect for the health of all those around you by spreading your germs around.”

I know it is just a matter of time before I too, will be suffering with the sniffles and a sore throat, but I hope it doesn’t happen. Maybe, this is my winter to buck the trend and stay healthy through cold and flu season.

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