Winter Ailments...

We all know when winter (probably should be autumn/winter) has arrived and it's not because of the biting cold or the rise in sales of scarves and gloves but probably because of the inability to get an appointment at the surgery until three weeks and the rise in sales of tissue boxes, tissue packets and other cough and flu related paraphernalia...

As winter arrives we all start coughing and sneezing and end up getting the flu or just a cold at least once in the season, more if you work with children.

I've mentioned (in place of the word mentioned feel free to insert the word rambled) the advantages of being a teacher-holidays, there are also many pitfalls, one of which will be always catching some ailment off the children.

So far this winter I have already had a two week cough, then a two week reprieve-and just when I thought I was home and dry, safe-a two week cold.

The worst thing about colds, coughs and snotty noses (I know - nasty) is that you can't sleep. These viruses just know when you're in bed and tired and want sleep to take over for a few hours, and this is when they will attack-full on, they will keep you lying awake most of the night smelling mentholated because you thought using half a tub of vaporub (more commonly known as Vicks) would do the trick.

But then it will subside and you will be left wondering what all the fuss was about until next year when it will come and attack once again.

I always give this advice to anyone who has a cold so I suppose I must mention it here too - Honey! I can not live without honey during my Winter days. I survive on the stuff. It is wonderful in soothing throats and getting the immune system back on track.

So all those who have been ailed by the Winter Ailments, I hope you get through them and remember Do Not Fear, Honey Is Here!!!