TALKING POINT I GOT IT!
workplace policy of staying home when you’re sick. Often work can be done remotely, but even if it can’t, think of the productivity saved if one sick person stayed home instead of coming in to a shared space to infect others.
FACE OFF
This sounds weird, but try to keep your hands off your face. It’s harder than it sounds. But if you manage to avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes, then, kind of like the USA under Donald Trump, the germs on your hands have fewer easy entry points into the host.
EAT WELL
Good nutrition translates into stronger immunity; poor nutrition leaves people at risk of opportunistic disease. So eat good, clean, healthy food every day. You know this stuff already: at least five, but better yet, seven servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, while avoiding processed foods, refined starches, and sugar. (See sidebar on immunity-boosting foods.) “Drink plenty of fluids too,” adds GP Dr Sherwin Kathawaroo.
GOOD HEALTH HABITS
We’ve covered food, so that leaves sleep and exercise as the two major health boosters that doctors have to nag about. When you are sleep-deprived your body can produce too many of the proteins that trigger cold symptoms. Ensure you get enough sleep (if you’re pregnant, you definitely deserve a lunchtime nap in your car or in the boardroom) and do 30 minutes of exercise, such as walking or swimming, about six days a week, if you can.
HUMIDIFY
Studies have suggested the moister the air you breathe, the less effectively the flu virus can get into your body. It’s worth trying.
VACCINATE
The best way to avoid flu? Ignore the tin foil hatters and get your annual flu shot. It’s especially recommended for pregnant women (as well as the elderly), who get sick faster and feel worse while sick. As Dr Kathawaroo says, “Influenza may be more severe in pregnancy (and in young children and the elderly). The influenza vaccine which is not a live vaccine, is therefore highly recommended for these at-risk groups.” Remember, you have to have it annually. Last year’s flu vaccine won’t necessarily work anymore as new flu viruses are identified by scientists every year, who then create new vaccines seasonally. Ack, despite all your efforts you got sick. Now what? Well, sadly there’s not much you can do now but ride it out. Pregnant women should avoid over-thecounter medications, says Dr Kathawaroo. “Paracetamol, lots of fluid and bed rest is my prescription,” he says. (Panado is safe, but don’t have other medications that contain paracetamol as well as other ingredients. Just because you see the word paracetamol on the label doesn’t mean it’s safe for you.) Stay mostly confined to one room, especially if you live with children, old people or HIV positive people, all of whom are more at risk of getting ill. Allow one person to take care of you, so that you try to contain the disease.
You should start to feel better in a few days, but if you are really struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. If you are severely ill you may have to spend some time being rehydrated on a drip or in hospital where doctors can take closer care of you.