Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/97199
Calling In Sick Tips for surviving flu season in a hands-on job by Leslie Roste The average American is exposed to many viral illnesses during any given year, with the vast majority occurring during the winter months. As an esthetician spending much of the day in hands-on contact with clients, it���s even easier to catch whatever is going around. Flu season starts annually in late autumn. Many factors contribute to this and may also explain why some areas are harder hit than others. For example, when the days are shorter, we spend more time indoors, regardless of the temperature. That means more time spent with the windows closed and the same air recirculating throughout the home or business, giving any nearby viruses a free ride to their next victim. In most areas of the country, the winter months also bring colder, drier air, which creates challenges for the respiratory system. Cold? Flu? Or Something Else? If you are unfortunate enough to become ill this winter, the first step is to find out what you have. The common cold, which can be caused by any of 200 or more different viruses, generally starts with a sore throat and that I-think-I-am-gettingsick feeling. 28ASCP Skin Deep January/February 2013 During those first days when you are trying to convince yourself you aren���t sick enough to stay home from work, you are actually quite contagious. The first three days would be the best time to stay home. Colds generally peak quickly, and then get better each day, with final resolution taking about 7���10 days. In this time frame, you would likely have congestion, a cough, a headache, and maybe even a low-grade fever. During those Although a cold may feel like a serious illness, unless you have a first days when severely impaired immune system you just need to be patient and treat the you are trying to symptoms. One of the misconceptions about a cold is that if your mucous convince yourself gets thicker and darker, the cold has turned into an infection. In fact, that is you aren���t sick generally not the case. The keys to a speedy recovery from enough to stay a cold are to get lots of rest, plenty of fluids, and good nutrition. Over-thehome from work, counter remedies can be very helpful in allowing you to get through the day you are actually and sleep at night, but always read the labels, especially if you have other health quite contagious. conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. A pharmacist The first three can generally point you in the right direction. days would be The flu (influenza) is a much more serious illness. It affects 5���20 percent of Americans every year and the best time to hospitalizes more than 30,000. Although immunizations are readily available stay home. and quite reliable, only about half of Americans get a flu shot in any given year. In a high-contact profession like esthetics, protecting yourself from an illness that could put you out of action for more than a week is worthwhile, and getting this year���s flu shot only takes a few minutes at your local drugstore.