Raise your hand if you’ve ever been personally victimized by a sick day over summer break.
Even if you’re in the midst of a cold right now, it’s hard to think of sick days happening in the summer. After all, on a sick day, you curl up in your favorite blanket and sniffle your way through a bowl of chicken noodle soup and your favorite TV show. Summertime is for actually doing things, and no one has time for a sick day.
That being said, if you’re one of those unfortunates who are just trying to get through a cold in the sweltering heat, here are a few things to keep in mind for summer sick days.
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Keeping yourself hydrated when you’re sick is already essential, but when it’s summer and sweating is at an all time high, hydration is crucial. Whether you accomplish that by chugging water or adding ice to your favorite sick day lemon and honey tea, try to get 8 to 12 cups of water in your body.
(For a chilly treat that still gets the job done and can soothe a sore throat, a Popsicle is the perfect treat.)
2. Stay cool (no matter the heat)
Dealing with a fever when the temperature outside is sky-rocketing is possibly the worst thing that could happen in the summer. Stay comfortable by either slipping into a cool bath or shower and staying in the A/C. If you absolutely need to be wrapped up in a blanket to be comfortable on your sick day, reach for one that’s light, like cotton, or stick to the top-sheet on your bed.
(Another perk of staying cool? It helps you get some much-needed rest, as experts recommend keeping your bedroom between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit for deeper sleep.)
3. Take a break
Sure, you promised your friend you’d go for a run with her, but you should probably skip it if you’re already feeling ill. Summer heat has a way of sapping our energy when we’re not under the weather, and being sick puts you at an immediate disadvantage to the heat.
Limit your physical activity (especially outdoors) and take a break. Relaxing on the couch is good, and napping is even better.
4. Limit your time around others
Since summer isn’t traditional “cold season,” extra health precautions often fall to the wayside. Don’t go exposing your already weak immune system to hundreds of outside factors and people — you may pass your cold onto others, or worse, catch another bug on top of your illness.
This can apply to the few days after you get over your cold, especially if you’re heading out for a big event with a lot of people (like a concert or festival). Keep yourself local, maybe keep your social time reserved for three people at a time, and be extra attentive to your health and habits, even if it means carrying around hand-sanitizer or washing your hands more often.
No matter the season, sick days are often the same routine, but be extra comfortable this summer if you come down with a bug! From keeping cool to taking it extra easy, surviving a summer sick day can be a breeze.
What do you think?
What are your summer sick day go-tos? What are some health tips you keep in mind for this season? What’s something going on in your life, and how can CF help? Let us know in the comments!