Staying well!!

[SleepymummyZzz]

Hi All

Trainee teacher here, am at home today with yet another illness, second in less than a month. Flu last time, chest infection now to make a nice change! In total I have been off school for nearly three weeks this academic year already. I only stay off when I am physically being sick/can't stand up etc so it's not a case of pulling myself together unfortunately! I know this is way too much for any employer to sustain longer term :-( Help!! Any tips on staying healthy and well? I take vit C and Echinacea but not sure how effective they are given my track record!

[Fayrazzled]

More important than the vit C and echinacea I would say is making sure you get plenty of sleep; you eat well and you get 'downtime' so that you get a break from school stuff and reduce stress- easier said than done though, I know.

[Heirhelp]

Long term use of echinacea lowers your immune system. If you are not used to working in schools then your immune system does take a battering at first. I agree that you need to look after your general health and get the flu jab every year.

[HettyD]

Anti bac gel on your desk, use regularly! And keep the pens you lend out separate to the ones you use...

[Ilikesweetpeas]

Your immune system will get stronger. I can withstand most things now! Wash your hands at every opportunity, take vitamins and drink water

[Rezolution123]

What age group are you teaching? I only ask because younger children do seem to have more frequent illnesses themselves and are therefore good "spreaders". Your immunity will improve when you have been teaching for about a year.
Unfortunately if you move to another area you will come up against a fresh bunch of viruses and start all over again. That is my own experience but experts will tut tut and say it is not true.
As others have said, plenty of sleep, no extra stress, lots of vitamins, good food with fresh fruit and veg. Keep your hands clean. Don't rub your eyes with your fingers. Teach from a standing position if possible, (Hard with little ones)

[CamboricumMinor]

Absolutely yes re the pens. I have my own pencil case and only I use the pens in there, it seems crazy to some but I haven't had a cold in three years.

[lateforeverything]

I 100% back Fayrazzled re: stress. I used to worry so much about things but about 18 months ago I got a flu that I could not shake off for about 5 weeks and decided enough was enough. Honestly, do your best not to get stressed and that itself boosts your immunity. Good luck with the rest of your course!

[SleepymummyZzz]

Thanks for the tips all. It is good to hear that my immune system will toughen up over the years! I am Early Years so lots of direct face to face contact with children so hopefully sooner rather than later! Stress is absolutely a factor in how well I feel day to day so will put some measures in place to relax!