Tis the season. It seems everywhere you go someone has the flu or a nasty cold. And it appears from all accounts that this flu is particularly vehement, hanging on until everyone it comes into contact is infected.
Every work place has someone who brings it in to work. Sure, it’s innocent enough but the flu bug itself isn’t. That bug will decimate the room faster than Saanich’s mayor trying to get out of the limelight.
So, like with all emergencies it is best to prepare yourself. Everyone has their own personal remedies to alleviate the symptoms. Some recommend lemon, ginger, garlic, honey teas, others chicken soup and lots of fluids. Whatever the remedy, stock up before you head home to languish on the sofa watching bad TV and blowing your nose until it feels like it will fall off. Kleenex will be your best friend, so treat yourself to the soft stuff. So start the check list: lemons - check; honey - check; chicken soup - check; tissues - check; throat lozenges - check; cough syrup - check; aspirin - check; magazines - check; cosy blanket and pajamas - check; mom?
If you feel it coming on - go home - don’t start the spider’s web of infection. It’s not fair to pass this off onto anyone, it’s like the internet, nothing is sacred and once it’s out there - look out. It’s the “gift” that just keeps on giving.
Flu shots are recommended for people with compromised immune systems, health care workers, the elderly and the young. The problem with that is there is always a new strain of virus going around and the flu shot may or may not be effective against this latest bug. But, better to be safe. It’s may also be important to let your own immune system get a work out if you happen to be healthy already.
Whatever the case, stay home if you are sick.