Title: The Importance of Rest: Lessons from My Battle with Influenza
Hello! I work at a pharmacy, and recently, we’ve been experiencing a significant influx of influenza patients. Amid the busyness, I ended up catching the flu myself. This experience made me realize once again the importance of maintaining health and not pushing myself too hard. Today, I’d like to share my story in this blog.
Busy Days with Increasing Patients
At the pharmacy, when the flu season peaks, an overwhelming number of patients visit us. Hearing comments like, “I was diagnosed with Influenza A” or “My whole family got infected,” I was motivated to support as many people as possible. I put in my full effort to help each patient.
However, before I knew it, I had overworked myself. On Tuesday, I felt a slight discomfort in my body but thought, “If I push through a little, I’ll be fine,” and went to work. The result? By Wednesday, I was completely down with a fever and tested positive for Influenza A.
The Consequences of Overexertion
By forcing myself to work on Tuesday, I believe I weakened my immune system even further. When I developed a high fever on Wednesday, I regretted not taking a break earlier. Fortunately, with the support of my family and colleagues, I was able to focus on resting, and by Friday, my fever finally subsided. However, I still felt fatigued, and it was clear I wasn’t back to full health yet.
Resting Is Also for the Sake of Others
This experience taught me an important lesson: pushing myself to work when unwell isn’t beneficial for anyone, including those around me. Influenza is a highly contagious virus. To prevent spreading it to colleagues or family members, it’s crucial to have the courage to rest as soon as you notice any signs of illness.
Especially in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, becoming a source of infection could affect many people. That’s why taking care of your own health directly contributes to protecting your patients and coworkers.
The Importance of Prevention and Early Measures
Reflecting on this experience, I was reminded of how critical it is to prevent the flu. Here are some basic preventive measures:
1. Get Vaccinated
• This is the foundation of flu prevention. It protects not only yourself but also those around you.
2. Wash Hands and Gargle Thoroughly
• Even as a pharmacy worker, I was reminded of the importance of this simple habit.
3. Ensure Adequate Sleep and Nutrition
• It’s easy to neglect these when you’re busy, but they are essential for maintaining a strong immune system.
4. Rest at the First Sign of Illness
• As I learned the hard way, pushing through can lead to prolonged recovery times.
In Closing
Through this experience, I have once again learned the importance of “health management.” For those of us working in healthcare and pharmacy, staying healthy ourselves is a key part of supporting our patients and those around us.
To everyone reading this, I encourage you to take care of yourselves and not overwork. During flu season, please stay safe and prioritize your health.
I hope my story resonates with you or offers some helpful insights. Thank you for reading!
