Blimpsters Battle Colds and Flu!

This is our night stand. Everyone at our house has been sick and they all want to recover in "Mama's" bed, and that's fine with me. When germy trash started taking over the bedroom, I turned one empty tissue box into a receptacle for the used ones. I thought that was pretty brilliant! We went from Acetaminophen, to Ibuprofen in cycles trying to fight fever and aches. Poor Sabelle ended up with strep throat, so she is knocking back liquid Amoxicillin twice a day! Every time I went to Shaw's for more medicine or general supplies, I ran into friends with sick households pushing identical carts of Puff's Plus and cough drops.

Why won't "The Ick" go away?!

A few reasons:

• Not drinking enough water. Water helps your immune system and keeps your mucus running so that it's not stuffing up your head.
• Using antihistamines. Though they do dry you out temporarily, your cold won't go away sooner. Nasal sprays are the worst because you feel even more congested when their effects wear off, then you use more and more. Your nose is addicted to it after just a couple days.
• Smoking prevents your lungs from pushing mucus upward and can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
• Going to work or school. Don't play the hero and end up being the zero who got everyone at work sick. You are just dragging out your cold by not letting your body rest.
• Taking antibiotics for a cold won't help, but it will breed resistance to future antibiotics that you may take.

I also found out from our pediatrician that flu season is far from over. Don't underestimate the flu, get your shot now!

Wash your hands and cough in your elbow.

Celeste