St. Louis Review Centre

Hi! As a nurse even I sometimes fall prey to a virus or bacterial infection. Today I’m fighting off the common cold. Achoo! So I thought I would take some time to share what works for me when I’m trying to get well again.

First, I wash my hands or use hand sanitizer if no soap and water is available. I do not want to spread the virus to anyone else! I also clean shared items like the phone, the computer key board, door knobs with disinfecting wipes. I open the windows and doors for a few minutes to let fresh air into the house and decrease the viral load.

Second, get plenty of rest. I slept in this morning and that felt really good. Sometimes you just have to take care of yourself.

Third, drink lots of water, the recommendation is six to eight, eight ounce glasses of water a day, unless you have a medical condition that precludes drinking a lot of water. Always consult your primary care provider.

Speaking of water, I use a humidifier. Be sure it is clean to prevent spreading bacteria or molds into the air. I use saline nasal spray, a hot shower, and I sniff water from the palm of my hand to moisturize the mucous membranes in my nose and sinus area.

Fourth, I take vitamin C to help get well quickly. I use vitamin C tablets and drinks with vitamin C, “cuties” are small oranges that are available in the grocery store right now so I eat several of them during the day as a healthy snack.

Fifth, I cover my coughs and sneezes. I use tissues with anti virus properties and lotion tissues as my nose is getting red and a little tender.

Sixth, I’ll avoid crowds. At church I’ll use my hand sanitizer and I won’t hug my favorite senior citizens as I don’t want to spread the virus to them. At work, I’ll just keep washing my hands between any cough or sneeze.

Seventh, I already had my flu shot, so that helps me from getting the flu virus. Please note: it’s not too late to get one. The flu season doesn’t end until around March.

Finally, in Colorado we have the “Get Smart Colorado” campaign so I will not ask for antibiotics to treat my viral condition. I know they are not needed and do not work against viruses. I’ll call my health care provider if I get to feeling worse and it turns into a bacterial infection.