Don’t Forget That Flu Shot!

Yesterday, I had a massive sneeze attack.  The first sneeze took me by surprise and before I could get my hands in front of my face, I had plastered two computer monitors, a keyboard AND MY HAIR with snot.  After a lengthy decontamination, I decided that should be a reminder to get my flu shot early this year.

Yes, it's almost here.  Cold and Flu Season (I think they are important enough to be capitalized).  Flu shots are pretty cheap and, sometimes, free.

A cold first manifests itself as sneezing and itchy throat.  Flu, on the other hand, shows up as fever, headaches and tiredness.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE BUGS (without living in a plastic bubble)

1. Get the darn flu shot.  Just do it.  Don't complain.  You can go into heath centers, pharmacies, even freaking Wal-Mart gives out flu shots.  They are EVERYWHERE.  Get it done...
2. Wash your hands often -- then wash them again.  You don't have to use antibacterial soaps.  You just need ANY KIND of soap and warm water.  Wash for at least 10 seconds and go about your day.
3. Clean objects you share with other people (think of your nasty kids who haven't washed their hands since you forced them to last night before dinner) like phones, keyboards, remote controls.
4. Get plenty of rest.  You'll be shocked how a little extra sleep can keep your immune system in peak condition.
5. Treat your cold old-school.  Things like Benadryl and ChlorTrimeton have gone out of fashion -- but they really, really work for common colds.  The problem is, they will make you sleepy -- so when you feel the itch, take it at night and wake up feeling better.
6. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.  Being dehydrated will weaken your resistance to bacteria.  Beer and wine also dehydrate you so, while your sick, leave off the sauce.