One of my secretaries was sick all last week. Last night I had two messages from teachers telling me they’ll be away today. One of them doesn’t even work in my building on Mondays so it’s not like they caught it from each other. It’s that time of year when colds and flus start spreading like wildfires through students and staff.

I got the flu shot this weekend, I work out regularly, try to eat well, and I take vitamin and mineral supplements. I am careful about touching my face, and keeping my hands clean. I try to do everything I can to prevent myself from getting sick.

Does this mean I’ll escape the contagion? Only time will tell. You can do everything right and still get sick… but I know that I’ve significantly increased my odds of staying healthy, and if I can’t avoid the sick season altogether, hopefully I’ve at least reduced how hard it will hit me.

I’m just grateful that the people I work with stay home when they are sick. In my younger years I used to ‘soldier on’ and just come to work sick like I was doing everyone a favour. Now I realize that I’m not just helping myself recover, but I’m also helping prevent others from getting sick when I stay home. I appreciate everyone else doing the same. It makes the work environment better for everyone.