if you're sick, please stay home. and if you must go out, cover your cough.

 if you're sick, please stay home. and if you must go out, cover your cough.

A little reminder as flu and respiratory viruses start circulating: please think about the people around you.

I was on the bus recently when a woman repeatedly coughed without covering her mouth. When I pulled out my lavender oil and put a little on my hand, I mentioned that flu season was starting. She shrugged and said her coughing and not covering her mouth weren't intentional.

Well, neither is getting someone else sick.

This is how viruses spread. During COVID, we saw people sending sick children to school, going to work sick, and being told to toughen up, push through and carry on.

We've got to stop treating illness like some kind of weakness or inconvenience.

The most important thing you can do when you're sick is REST.

Stop what you're doing. Stay home. Go to bed. Drink plenty of fluids. Hot tea with honey, nourishing soup and proper rest can go a long way toward helping you recover.

I personally use lavender and eucalyptus oils, something I've done for over 30 years, research them before using. Rest, hydration and taking care of yourself matter most.

If possible, have someone check on you, bring groceries, soup or toilet paper, and help with necessities while you recover. Give your home a good clean when you're feeling better.

And please remember that flu isn't harmless. It can be dangerous, particularly for older people, babies and those with vulnerable immune systems.

COVID destroyed lives, separated families and left many people with lasting health problems. We should have learned something from that experience.

Don't be selfish. Don't power through and share your germs with everyone else.

Stay home when you're sick. Cover your cough. Wash your hands. Rest and recover.

Taking care of yourself is also taking care of your community. ❤️