Really Sick

[Kooky Korky]

I subbed last week and have been super sick since. Bronchitis, SOB, horrible cough, muscle aches, fever.

Happened the first time I subbed, too.

Tea, cough med, tylenol, steam up the bathroom and breath the steam, rest, chicken soup. Thank God for my wonderful family.

Do you pick up a lot of illnesses from your students?

Guess I will start using a mask and gloves.

[OyWithThePoodles, RN]

I feel like my first year I was always sick. Gotta build up that immune system somehow.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Some of my HS kids might say I am too mean to get sick!!! LOL! But seriously, I think those who are here everyday, have built up immunities to stuff. I rarely get sick but when iI do, it typically triggers my asthma. While I may be over the original illness, afebrile etc, I cough like there is no tomorrow!! Usually requires nebs and steroids.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Full year as a school nurse I got walking pneumonia.

Only things of issue I've had since were conjunctivitis and my very first sinus infection, both last year. Conjunctivitis was during a long weekend, so got treated and under control to return to work without a sick day (lucky me?).

My immune system has always been pretty good, but amped up even more since I went into school nursing.

[AdobeRN]

I usually get one good cold and/or bronchitis episode per year but nothing else - this is my 11th year as a school nurse. I am constantly washing my hands and wipe down all surfaces at the end of the day (sometimes a couple of times during the day depending on what comes thru my office).

[SchoolNurseK, BSN, RN]

I have yet to get sick this year (fingers crossed!!!) but I have been crazy with the Clorox wipes, gloves and if you even look remotely sick, you get a mask in my clinic! The kids hate it, but I DO NOT want all the junk they are bringing in here to me! Also, I swear by Emergen-C. One packet every morning on my way to school seems to do the trick. If I do start to feel like I am getting something, I increase it to two doses per day. Works like a charm!

[tining, BSN, RN]

Washing hands and consciously keeping hands away from face.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Lots of good advice here.

Feeling pretty well now, just horrible cough still. Doc sent codeine syrup, as DM was doing little.

No appetite, just want cold water and chicken broth.

Hope you all will be well.

[LPN Retired, LPN]

I rarely get sick anymore, since I quit smoking 25 yrs ago. I used to get bronchitis alot, small cold and it would go directly to my chest. I,got tired of being sick all the time, so I quit smoking. I rarely get sick anymore. I am obsessive now, tho, about hand washing. And when I go to Wal-Mart I use their sanitary wipes at the entrance to clean the buggy handles, and use them,on my hands again as I leave. And then wash good with soap and water as soon as I get home. Never touch,my face or hair.

On 1/13/2020 at 9:40 AM, Nursesusu said:

My first year, I was sick as a dog all year.

Yup. Every year all the new teachers, especially the younger elementary grades are so sick!

13 hours ago, Kooky Korky said:

Lots of good advice here.

Feeling pretty well now, just horrible cough still. Doc sent codeine syrup, as DM was doing little.

No appetite, just want cold water and chicken broth.

Hope you all will be well.

Being sick when you are a grownup is pure torture! A kid has a fever of 102, gets a little red on the cheeks, has Motrin and is good as new. I get a temp of 100 and feel like I may die.

[BeckyESRN]

19 minutes ago, MHDNURSE said:

Being sick when you are a grownup is pure torture! A kid has a fever of 102, gets a little red on the cheeks, has Motrin and is good as new. I get a temp of 100 and feel like I may die.

This is 100% accurate.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Once a year I get really sick. That's usually when I've forgotten my general rule - I never touch what they touch. I keep my own pen and only use it and never share. Lysol wipes will probably kill me with COPD but they are my friend right now.

Hang in there. It will get better.