Under the Weather

Exactly where did the term 'under the weather' originate from and about when was it first used?  From the research that I sourced, it was used around 1893 as 'under the weather bow,' meaning that was the side of the ship that took the brunt of the rough seas, therefore causing passengers to become seasick.  Thus, they were 'under the weather bow.'

In today's times, we use the term 'under the weather' to refer to one as not feeling well, not necessarily from seasickness. For example, I happen to have a touch of something.  About a week ago, I thought it was a cold, and now I am leaning toward a case of a soon to be full blown sinus infection.  Before that happens I am off to the doctor. 

Going along with me would be my husband, who most definitely has a really bad case of being 'under the weather.'  He has had walking pneumonia twice so there will be no hesitation of getting him checked out based on how long he has had his symptoms. Just speaking frankly, are we the only ones that seem to find it hard to know when to call for an appointment?  Also, when it is time to take sick days and just rest instead of barreling through it all as if you were Super Human?   

Unless a person has a fever, is vomiting or has diarrhea, or a real migraine headache, when do you know that when your head is in a fog from sinus problems, your throat is scratchy, you are coughing and sneezing that it is time to stay home?  In today's world, how many of us have co-workers who come in this way and are friendly enough to share what they have with all who are around them?  It is not the proper thing to do, yet we all have been there.  

Needless to say that when the onset of what seems to be a cold, it is more than likely the right thing to do to skip the doctor at first and stay in bed with a warm blanket and sleep it off.  This gives your body time to heal without sharing your cold with those around you. The question then becomes when do you know that it is not getting better so that you can call and get in to see the doctor?  Knowing that especially during the cold and flu season, that you may have to wait a day or two until the doctor's office can fit you in for an appointment.  This is probably why so many drug stores and other places have set up little emergency clinics.  These are for walk-ins, taking your chance on how long you must sit in the waiting area to actually get to see the doctor.  Plus, remember that you are seeing a doctor that really has no history of your health.  Sort of a catch 22 situation. 

The best thing to do is to take good care of yourself to help avoid getting 'under the weather.'  Not always possible, I know.  You probably know the drill of what to do as well as I do, yet here I sit 'under the weather.'  When I am over this bit of being 'under the weather', I will dutifully wash my hands frequently and yes, I will use hand sanitizer.  Getting enough sleep, eating good things for our bodies are very important and getting exercise does boost your immune system.  The old saying of eating chicken noodle soup and having cups of hot tea does have some merit.  It feels so wonderful on the throat as it goes down. Hands need to stay away from your face, something that I have to work on, for sure.  Lysol wipes are great to keep in your desk drawer to wipe telephones, doorknobs and keyboards/desktops when others use them. 

The one thing to avoid doing is to google your symptoms when you don't feel well.  It is the most efficient way to convince yourself you're dying.   A healthy way to look at how to handle being sick with a cold or sinus problems is to remember that it is just your body's way of saying you're way too awesome, and you need to slow down, so everyone else can catch up.