Under the weather

 Under the weather

So it has been a little while since my last update. After returning to Kansas City from Denver I found out I had picked up a nasty bug that put me down for a few days. Being out of the office for a week plus a few more days from being sick really set me back and it took me a little bit of time to bounce this bug.

Speaking of being sick, what do you do when you get sick on the road? Being sick is bad enough but being away from home can really be a pain. If you are on business, it's not like you can just call in and crash in your hotel room till you feel better. Plus if you are alone, there is no one to help get you things you may need.

It is always best to take preventative measures like frequently washing your hands, especially at airports and in taxis. But what happens if you already have that tingle in the back of your throat, or that runny nose?

Step 1: Take immediate action. You might need to go to Walgreen's straight from the airport or go straight to your hotel and get to sleep. A lot of times we have crunched so many meetings and appointments into such a small window of time that it may be hard to do this. Whatever you do, don't let it carry on untreated. Even some basic OTC cold medicines can keep your worst symptoms at bay till you get home. Getting medicine in your system will help your body start fighting back sooner than later.

Step 2: Consider canceling or rescheduling non essential meetings. Depending upon how you feel and how much time you have, it may be a good idea to move the big presentation up to today if possible or back a day if you feel it is a 24 hour thing.  Smaller meetings could possibly be rescheduled over Skype or through a Webinar or pushed to more convenient times. Consider your options and talk with your supervisor and the client you are meeting with. Your client would probably prefer you not come in spreading your sickness around to their entire department. You supervisor also probably wants to to bring your A game and not be sneezing and coughing all through an important presentation with blood shot eyes.

Step 3: Rearrange travel plans in necessary. If you move your presentation back a day or so, you might have to rearrange your flights or extend your hotel stay. Try to do so 24 hours in advance to check out or flight departure to avoid extra last min fees. If you are a rewards member of your hotel and airline it may be easier than you think and cost almost nothing extra.

Step 4: Sleep. Sleep as much as you can and drink plenty of fluids. Order some soup from a local restaurant or the hotel kitchen and have it delivered if possible. Take care of yourself and get better as soon as you can.

Safe and sick free travels

Currently Out of the Office

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