Feeling Under the Weather

(Published in  ASK Anggi column,  Speak!     # 11 # May 2013)

Have you ever been so sick that you developed a nasty sore  throat, unbearable  headache and runny nose all at once? If that nauseating feeling sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. This unpredictable weather has resulted in many people coming down with the flu, including yours truly.

In the past couple of weeks, I have not been in the best of health. While the doctor said that I needed more rest, my nosy personality made me determined to find out more about this common illness and how to best deal with it.

The flu is cause by the  influenza virus, and the symptoms are more severe than that of the common cold. The fact that it’s so infectious make it one of the biggest health treats to humans (e.g. the avian flu).Believe it or not you’re more likely to catch it when you’re tired, stressed or feeling sad.

When it comes to dealing with the symptoms, most folks tend to self-medicate using “over the counter” medicines found at pharmacies because  they don’t require a doctor’s prescription. There’s one popular pill often advertised on TV (I can’t say the name her) which contains acetaminophen, a substance genera;;y used to provide aymtomatic relief from pain and fever associated with the common cold.

Another component in the pill is chlorpheniramine maleate, which is normally prescribed for runny nose, itchy and troublesome throats cause by allergies. The medicine helps to dry out the secretions in the nose, throat, and eyes.

As they say, prevention is always the best medicine, and the best way to avoid catching the flu is by keeping fit. Since there is still n magic pill for this, you’ll just have to stay disciplined and motivated. My schoolmate, Rista Nur Aini, is the best example of this and she offered me a few tip on how to stay fit.

“I always eat healthy food, be clean, and play sport every other week. I am also very particular about personal hygiene, and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Relaxation is also important to staying fit and healthy, and my personal ritual involves keeping calm by listening to music,” she shares.

We know, it sounds easier said than  done. Not everyone has the time or resources to maintain their health this way.  For those of you who don’t have the time or energy to keep up with the healthy lifestyle, then the next best thing would be to stock up in vitamin C.

Why vitamin C? That’s because it’s one of the most effective ways to boost your immune system to help you fight off infection. Vitamin C activate neutrophils, the most powerful of the infection-fighting white blood cells. Most doctors recommednd taking vitamin supplements at several intervals rather than once a day. This is because it works best for the first two hours after consumption before exiting your bloodstream completely.

So if you’re like me and you’re sick of being sick, then it’s probably high time for a lifestyle change. Start off by getting some rest and taking your daily vitamin C. Once you fell up for it, be sureto schedule in some more exercise and to eat healthy food. Let’s do it together!