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Avoiding Illness is Important as a Patient with PF.
The holiday season can be tough for people living with a chronic illness for various reasons. Socializing, shopping and the errands/’hustle and bustle’ of preparing for Christmas takes a lot of energy, which is something many of us don’t have in excess these days. Since being diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in 2016, I’ve noticed a difference in my ability to participate in holiday festivities due to my energy levels, mental abilities and physical stamina.
In addition to the exhaustion, the holiday season is also one that is unfortunately filled with colds and flus due to the time of year. I’ve mentioned before that I choose to prioritize my health and not getting sick, over attending any social events with friends and family. If someone is sick, I choose to stay home because I don’t expect them to, and I am okay with that. Here’s why:
Recently I read an article on TheMighty about why getting sick with a chronic illness is a big deal. It really resonated with me, and I shared it on various social media platforms to try and help others understand my efforts of avoiding illness. Some may think my attempts to stay well are “excessive” or unnecessary, but I’d disagree, given how long I know it takes me to recover from the common cold, especially compared to those without a chronic illness. This article really spoke to me, and I hope it can be shared to help others in your social networks/circles understand why it is important to stay as healthy as possible for those of us with IPF/PF.
What are some of the ways you actively try to prevent illness with colds/flus?
Do you take extra supplements to help you stay healthy, such as vitamin C? Do you avoid social gatherings altogether?
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