Welcome to Cold Season

It happened. I got my first cold of the season. Drat! I tried going into work yesterday, but the cold symptoms caught up with me.

There is nothing worse than talking with a sore throat. So, I finally gave up when Wally told me to go home. I didn't worry about getting him sick, because according to most health experts (thanks NY State Health Department), we are most contagious one day before symptoms appear. The same goes for the flu.

The hard part, for me, is calling in sick. I feel guilty about letting my co-workers down and not getting my work done. When I posted this fact on my Facebook status, I was amazed at how many of my friends feel the same way! So, this morning, I didn't feel nearly as bad when I did call in sick.

I still feel guilty, but I also know I can't perform even 50 percent. I took my medicine after notifying work and slept. Experts say fluid and rest are the best ways to recover from a cold (National Institutes of Health). So that means the medicines only relieve symptoms so you can rest. Whatever works, I will do.

I am restless now, so I thought I would blog to share these things I learned about being sick.

1. Very few people like to call in sick. Responsibility is a big factor.

2. If you feel you have to call in sick, do it. You know your body best.

3. Don't feel guilty about spreading cold germs. We all do it without knowing it.

4. No matter how bored you get, stay in bed! This is a tough one.

5. Drink tons of fluids. It helps your body combat the virus so you can get back to work.

6. Have sick supplies on hand before you get sick. Tissues, cold medicines, soup, liquids. Whatever works for you. You don't want to have to get out of bed to buy them.

And the most important thing: thank your caregiver. I drove my husband nuts last night ("may I have eggs?", "can you get me some water?"), but I thanked him each time and will make up for it when I am better.

Happy Cold Season! Don't forget to stock up on tissues!