Sick? What to Toss or Clean When You Feel Better

I just got over being sick with the “crud” going around. It lasted for about 10 days with coughing, chills, sneezing, body aches, a sore throat and a slight fever. I did not go to the doctor, assuming it was viral, and just slept and pushed fluids as much as I could. I knew that I was contagious, especially when the sneezes came so fast I couldn’t cover my mouth quick enough, and all those germs were just spewing out in the air. My husband slept in the guest room so he wouldn’t catch what I had, and thank goodness, he didn’t.

Once I felt better the first thing I did was change the sheets and pillowcases since that’s what I coughed and sneezed on the most. But I wondered, was there anything else I should do? I knew quite a few people who had been sick, got better for a few days and then relapsed. I certainly did not want to get sick again!

Even though it’s February, the flu is still going around, along with the common cold and other viruses. And even if you feel like you’re on your last leg and need to go to the doctor, most likely you just need to stay at home, get plenty of rest and push those fluids. (Of course if you have an underlying health issue, you may want to see your doctor.)

Depending on what you have, there are different remedies or actions you can take to feel better or hopefully shorten the course of your illness.

Is it the cold or the flu?

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/flu-cold-symptoms#1

Once you’re feeling better, do you need to toss your toothbrush? What about that lip balm you were using on your dry, cracked lips? And do you really need to change the bedding?

http://www.today.com/health/nasty-cold-or-flu-finally-over-do-i-need-toss-t75406

According to the CDC, most of the flu activity peaks between December and February, although flu activity can last as late as May. Here are a few more facts about the flu…

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2016-2017.htm