PART 2 – AVOIDING SICKNESS!

By William for wheezingaway.com

(ALWAYS REMEMBER – A person without good breathing or health, is a person with a life of constant caution’, so let’s do what we can, to learn what we can, to improve what we can. – William)

          Living with a chronic illness means living with constant change. One moment you feel steady, and the next – your body reminds you that stability I something you must actively build, protect, and maintain.

          For me, that battle includes Severe Asthma, Stage III COPD, Fatigue, and a Chronic Heart Condition!! Each of which requires its own learning curve, its own strategies, and its own daily awareness. As I continue to write these ‘Reflection on Chronic Illnesses’ series, my goal remains the same:

  • Educate myself.
  • Educate others.
  • Share what I find helpful.
  • Share what matters.        

This six-part series explores the core areas that will help bring stability into a life shaped by chronic

illness, those six being:

  • Exercise
  • Avoiding Sickness
  • Sleep & rest
  • Knowing yourself
  • Social contact plus
  • Nutrition

FOCUS TODAY IS “AVOIDING SICKNESS”

          Even when we do everything the correct way, sometimes an illness will still find us. Sometimes getting sick just happens despite all the triggers one may be watching for and guarding against.

          For those of us with many chronic conditions – especially lung-related ones – avoiding sickness is not optional. IT IS SURVIVAL!!

          Remember those vaccination shots, like the yearly flu shot and periodic pneumonia shots (now the yearly  COVID shot as well) are important, but avoiding sickness for those with a chronic illness goes far and beyond that.

STAYING AWARE OF YOUR COMMUNITY!!

          You do not have to isolate yourself from the world, but you ‘do’ need to stay informed. This means a regular to do list of:

  • Checking with your physician or specialist (for me a cardiologist or pulmonologist).
  • Watching local media for any trends in illnesses.
  • Noting which age groups or communities are being affected more than others.

This awareness helps you make smart decisions about when to go out – where to go out – and just how

cautious you will need to be.

READING THE ROOM – LITERALLY!!

          When you are out mingling with the public, pay attention to the people around you.

          If someone looks like they are even slightly sick, it is okay to keep your distance.

          If you have someone shake your hand or give you a hug, be sure to wash your hands. If needed, disinfect or wash your clothing when you get home.

          It is okay to carry wipes with you that will help disinfect your hands, arms, or face after being touched by someone or handling something someone else already has.

          REMEMBER – this attitude is not paranoia – it is protection of your well-being!

PROTECTING YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT!!

          If family members start to feel a bit under the weather, even in the slightest way – you should:

  • Encourage them to wash their hands frequently.
  • Maybe wear a medical mask if needed.
  • Keep shared spaces clean.

These suggestions are especially true for anyone with lung-related illnesses as these seemingly small

steps can prevent any possible or major setbacks.

SETTING  BOUNDARIES WITHOUT ANY GUILT!!

          This is one of the hardest parts of living with family while fighting a chronic illness.

          One should always keep those closest to you in your daily walk of life aware that due to your chronic illness(es), the immune system is weaker than normal and if they are feeling ill, consider or think twice about being around you until they feel better.

          Many times people, even those closest to us, will not understand your caution. They may want to minimize your concerns or show up sick anyway.

          Here is what one must remember: ‘your chronic illness may not give you any other choice than to avoid those people when they are showing any sign of sickness.’

          This is a fact – YOUR HEALTH MUST COME FIRST – ALWAYS!!!

A REFLECTION REACTION QUESTION:

          What do you do in your daily routine to protect yourself from getting sick? Do you have a game plan for when you or those closest to you begin to feel sick?

          Share your thoughts or answers by sending us an email at wheezingaway@gmail.com.

ALWAYS EDUCATE!!

          If you or a loved one has a chronic illness and/or disease, then always stay attuned and alert to all new or previous knowledge that may offer a glimpse of hope and faith in finding a better way to get through one’s own battles with chronic illness and/or disease.

          AS ALWAYS – if breathing issues linger or disrupt one’s daily life, then talk with your physician or specialist (pulmonologist) and get ahead of the possible chronic illness and/or disease.

          As for today – SMILES, PRAYERS & BLESSINGS along with steady breathing.

          GOOD DAY!!

SPECIAL NOTE: Sometimes we share what may seem like medial information when we are only giving out descriptions and highlights of various aspects that go with living with a chronic illness and/or disease. In no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical advice. If you have questions about what we have written and posted, then we suggest you contact your physician and/or medical specialist(s).

(Copyright @2026 for CrossDove Writers – no part of this write may be used or copied without written permission.)