I love to sing, I used to sing all the time, but now when I sing with all my might, I get the flu a day or two later. It is because your immune system is low, or you need to prepare your body for these types of diseases during the flu months (something I had to learn the hard way this winter). I don't think it has ANYTHING to do with you singing too hard. Singing too much or hard doesn't give you the flu. So don't believe that suggestion. It might cause vocal fatigue, but never sickness.
What you need to do if you want to take singing seriously, is to take precautions BEFORE you get sick (like I said I learned the hard way). Not only do you need to take a daily multi-vitamin (if you are female, take one for women), but take extra vitamins or supplements along with it. Take extra vitamin C in addition to the multi-vitamin, Bee Pollen is good (make sure you aren't allergic to it. Follow suggestions on the supplement). Take Air-Bourne tablets in water with the onset of symptoms (the generic version will do just as well). If you are in school or teach, always keep antibacterial or disinfectant wipes or gel around. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water. AND if you live in a cold climate during Winter months ALWAYS COVER YOUR NECK WITH A SCARF OR TURTLENECK. Covering your head would be great, but I know as a woman I don't want helmet hair after taking a hat off. LOL! Try to stay out of the cold as much as possible, and protect those vocal chords from extreme cold. Also, if you feel like you are catching vocal fatigue, put yourself on
vocal rest. Meaning only talk when you HAVE TO, and put that phone on vibrate. They can leave a message. LOL!
Throat Coat is a tea you can buy in the health section of any grocery store. Start drinking that for protection. The soothing sensation from it is immediate. Get PLENTY of rest everyday. Resting alone will build up your immune system. Of course, you already know not to drink or eat behind people and always keep your hands washed. That's the simple things we can control.
I am sure if you boost up your immune system, you will get better. Take those supplements. DO research on your own with what vitamins do what for the body. I hear an extra Vitamin B supplement is good for energy, but I haven't personally tried that one. BUT as singers we MUST stay healthy. So we have to do things the normal person doesn't do on a day to day basis. I was battling a similar situation this past month, and I am doing all I can to prevent it from happening again. Keep singing and don't get frustrated. Just take extra precautions. You will eventually feel great! There's no possible way that you're getting a flu from singing. You probably get a cold or a scratchy throat/vocal fatigue (most likely the latter of the two). Don't push your voice so far that you wear yourself out, and practice good vocal hygiene (drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and don't go around shouting). If you do actually keep catching actual colds, then go to a doctor. |
