It’s soon that time of year again when everywhere you go in Jamaica, you see people coughing and getting sick.  At work, school and church, it seems like everyone is catching it.   If you’re careful with your hand washing and general hygiene, you may be able to avoid getting sick. But if you do get sick, find out how serious it is, you may be able to keep working and tuff your way through it?  Some people say that if you’re feeling sick and it is above your chest it’s okay to keep going on, but you should be careful and always consult medical professional help.

Some time ago when my family members were staying with me, they would bring home their share of colds and other sicknesses.  They’d be sick for a few days, then bounce right back.  I was not that lucky, though.  I would get a small head cold and it would then turn into something more serious. When I went to the doctor she told me that at the first sign of a cold, I should slow down, take it easy, and drink lots of fluids for a day or two until I started to feel better.  Once the heightened part of the illness was over, she recommended light workouts for a week or so until the sickness was completely gone.  I started following her advice, and I haven’t been so sickly since.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when you’re at work and you come down with a slight sickness:

If you have a fever, go lots of rest and keep your fluid intake up and sleep as much as your body tells you it needs to.

If you have a ordinary cold, rest for a while until the worst symptoms are declining.  As you heal, go back to your regular daily routine, but pay attention to your body.  If you feel a relapse coming on, go back to the rest and fluids until it passes.

The same advice goes for a sore throat, which can be a small virus or may be a sign of a more severe strep infection.  If the symptoms lessen in a couple of days, then you’re good to go. But if they get worse or you develop a fever or vomiting, you know it’s time for a trip to the doctor and some serious rest and recovery time. One more thing if you’re sick, do your friends a favor and stay away from them, other people don’t want to join you in the sick section.

 

It all boils down to common sense, being out of commission for six months with a serious illness will mean that you will miss work.  Pay attention to your body and give it rest when it needs it.  Turn off that voice either yours or someone else’s – that’s accusing you of being a wimp. Consult your doctor when you’re not sure. Be smart!!