Below, SELF asked five immunocompromised people how they protect their physical and mental health duringcold and flu season.
Heres what the colder months look like for them.
I take care of the basics first by eating well, staying hydrated, and getting quality sleep.
Antonio Rodriguez/Adobe Stock
In 2001, I was diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).
A simple cold can also turn into something much more severe for me.
I like consistency in my routine, so I start each morning with exercise.
Megan A. Ryan, 47, Houston
2.
The biggest thing for me is wearing a mask anytime Im in public.
defensive proteins) it needs to prevent and fight common infections.
So Im always on alert.
Im never truly able to relax in public or when Im with a lot of people.
If someone near me coughs or sneezes, Im instantly afraid Ill catch whatever they may have.
Sarah Massey, 32, Montgomery, Texas
3.
I make a run at separate myself from visibly sick people immediately.
When I was 17, I got so sick I spent a week in the ICU.
Eventually I was diagnosed with CVID and started IVIG treatments.
To the average person, a cold and flu can feel terrible, but theyre usually temporary.
Its a whole other story with the flu, which can be even more debilitating.
My senses are on high alert for sneezes and coughs during flu season.
If Im around someone who is coughing or sneezing, I give a shot to separate myself immediately.
I might excuse myself from a situation or switch seats on public transportation.
It can look like Im being rude, but I have to prioritize safety for myself.
I go to restaurants and bars less frequently during flu season too.
If I do go out, I always take a stab at get outdoor seating.
If thats not possible, I venture to sit in an area thats not as crowded.
This can all be tough to navigate, so I rarely go out this time of year.
Amanda Marks, 24, Los Angeles
4.
I stay up to date on my vaccinations.
For me, they are literally life-saving.
I also have a separateautoimmune disease, for which I take high-powered immunosuppressive medication.
So my barely existent immune system has to be further suppressed for me to function day by day.
Even the mildest colds can quickly turn into pneumonia for me.
In the winter, I often struggle through infections more often than I dont.
As a result, Im constantly at doctors offices or receiving treatments.
Ive been on more than 13 antibiotics this year alone.
My providers are super on the ball.
A couple of years ago, I learned Im eligible for thepneumococcal vaccine, and its been super helpful.
For me and other people with weakened immune systems, vaccines are literally life-saving.
I attempt to keep my distance when family members are sick too.
But when you live with a six- and an eight-year-old, its impossibleand feels just wrongto avoid contact.
So I get sicka lot.
Its a terrifying reality.
Megan Marjorie, 28, Gunnison, Utah
5.
I make big-batch meals and freeze them to have on hand if I get sick.
I havepsoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
For me, a simple cold can last up to six weeks and become pretty severe.
Im always scared that Ill miss too much workor, worse, end up in the emergency room.
Getting sick for a long time not only affects my health but also my finances, career, familyeverything.
My go-to recipes includesoups, chilis, casseroles, quiches, and frozen pizzas.
I do this as soon as we start approaching fall.
Stress only further depletes my body if it needs to fight off sickness.
The risk of getting sick is just too great.
I wish I could do it all, but I have a go at put my own needs first.
Marissa Smith, 33, Atlanta
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