No More Playing Gigs When You Are Sick

Well its fall here in the US, and everyone around me is already getting sick. They are sneezing, they are vomiting, it is the official start of "Cold and flu season." There is nothing worse than playing a gig when you are sick (I once played a gig where I was numb on cough syrup and cold medicine with a fever).

Tips of Avoiding the Common Cold

Wash your hands. How often? If you have to ask - just do it. I just go back from the grocery store. If you sneeze, if you touch your pet,  if you are in between classes at school, when in doubt wash your hands. This goes double important before you eat. Germ are spread through mouth and nasal secretions, so when you go to the grocery store you're not sure who has sneezed on your cart.

Get Some Sleep

While the myth of getting 8 hours a day has been changed to "most people need about 7.5" and some people can get by with 6, the truth is if you are tired your body is not in its top form to fight off infections. Keep some gas in your body's tank, and get some sleep.

If You Fly Stay Warm

We all know that when you are on a flight you are stuck with the air in the plane. Not much you can do about that, but bring some warm outer-layer clothing. Planes can be chilly, and that will weaken your immune system.

Wear a Hat

This is not much of an issue with today's fashion as almost everyone under the age of 25 is wearing some sort of stocking cap, but when it gets cold the heat escapes from the top of your head. Wearing a hat helps keep you warm.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Right

Your immune system runs on water. So if you are chugging Starbucks and beer, both that aclohol and cafine in the coffee will dehydrate you. Instead drink lots of water (this really is important all year round). My favorite is Fruit 20 from Kraft (Strawberry). Different reports say Vitamin C may or may not help battle a cold. I say take a multivitamin and assume one of those vitamins will help boost your energy.

Now would be a good time to quit smoking

If you smoke, stop! Stay away from other smokers; inhaling their smoke will further irritate your throat and make you cough even more. One of the methods that worked for my ex wife (who had smoked for many years was the quick key.

Lastly, stay away from people who are sick. Avoid close contact with these people, especially during the first few days when they are most likely to spread the infection. Wash your hands after touching someone who has a cold, after touching an object they have touched, and after blowing your own nose. If your child has a cold, wash his or her toys after play. Keep your fingers away from your nose and your eyes to avoid infecting yourself with cold virus particles that you may have picked up.

Take Some Time To Remember Last Year

In my band, I sing all the high harmonies via falsetto. When I get a sore throat the first thing to go is my falsetto (and I have 4 guys looking at me wondering why they don't hear my harmony). If you already have a sore throat and someone wants to talk to you during break, take them outside. Trying to talk over the juke box will only kill what little voice you have left. Take the time to do these simple things (maybe throw some hand sanetizer in your gig bag while you're at it) and it can help.