Are You Living With Someone Who Has a Cold?

It’s that time of year. The cold and flu season. And even though I’ve had my flu shot, the greatest risk of getting sick isn’t from exposure to the general public. No. The greatest risk is lying next to me in bed, sharing my living quarters, and coughing. I won’t name names, but you all probably know to whom I’m referring. And yes, he’s sick this week.

Ever Since Captain Kangeroo

As a kid, I was sick a lot. And Mrs. Doctor Know-it-All Mommy was the queen of over-the-counter medications. Robitussin for coughs. Vicks VapoRub for the chest. Afrin for the sinuses. For dinner, she prepared a meal packed with iron. Have you guessed it yet? That’s right. A disgusting slab of rubbery, stringy, hold your nose, cow’s liver. Mrs. Doctor Know-it-All Mommy was no gourmet chef when it came to cow’s liver. And if you’re thinking of sharing a terrific recipe with me, please don’t. I say, let the cow have its liver. I’ll stick with the chicken soup.

Why Am I Dizzy?

So now, I have an aversion to medication. Too often, the stuff makes me dizzy. And I’ve read that a frequent cause of death in adults (okay—it might have been seniors) is a sudden fall that results in a head injury. As for the liver, well, things have slightly changed. I like Rumaki, Pate, and chopped liver, but I still think plain liver is gross. Now everyone knows what not to serve if I ever show up for dinner.

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

Excellent advice. I’m so enthusiastic that I like to regularly practice the feeding part. You can never be too prepared. But seriously, to ward off being sick, experts recommend you wash your hands frequently with hot water. I’m not happy till my hands are raw. And you must avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Which of course leaves your fingers with actually very little to do. But most importantly, you must isolate your beloved to another room. Or wear one of those face masks seen at airports. Better yet, make your spouse wear the mask.

Make Use of Your Cell Phone

That’s right. Limit all communication to texting. It really cuts down on the exposure. And there are lots of great emojis and gifs to use. My bottom-line advice: Tap into your creative side and stay healthy throughout the Holiday Season!