It started with a sniffle …then a bit of a scratchy throat. I didn’t think much of it at first, certain that it was just my allergies flaring up. Before I knew it, though, I was down for the count…with COVID. This bout—only my second since the start of COVID—and all its coughing, sniffling, aches, pains and fatigue lingered for about 10 days.
We may not be talking as much about COVID these days as we did a few years ago—but it is still out there, along with flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). ’Tis the season for all of these viral illnesses.
No—this editor’s note is not about vaccinations, although there are vaccines for all these illnesses. That decision is up to you and your health-care provider. But it is about taking care of yourself…and, just as important, taking care of others.
The moment I realized I had COVID—and confirmed it with a test—I contacted everyone I had been in contact with for the previous few days. I put myself in quarantine, along with my husband, who also had it. And I stayed inside, away from people, until both of us tested negative. I did all of that not just to help myself get better. I did it out of courtesy and respect for others. I certainly did not want to be the reason any of my loved ones or neighbors got sick.
So consider this a friendly reminder. If you feel sick, stay home…take care of yourself with medications, rest and nourishing food…and take care of others by staying away from them. Even a quick trip to the grocery store could infect lots of people. Err on the side of caution!
I hope you remain healthy throughout this year’s virus season…and if you do get sick, I encourage you to take the right steps so others don’t also get sick.Best wishes from the Bottom Line team for a happy, healthy fall and winter.
