02/04/2019
“Should I Sing While Sick?”
On this day of Yuckiness (I’ve two very contagious illnesses) I thought I’d talk about singing while you’re sick, and if it’s ok to do so. So here is a book to read while scrolling through your feed!
But first: Being around people with something highly contagious isn’t cool. But if the show must go on, keep your distance as much as possible and don’t touch hands.
RULE ZERO: Generally speaking, if it hurts to phonate (to make a sound) then you need to stop. If you have pain while speaking or singing - shtap it. You’re done for now. Something is strained and you need to rest.
1. If you have excess mucus sitting on your vocal folds and are coughing intensely, I’d recommend not singing. The vocal folds are probably irritated and need a break.
2. If you’ve got excess mucus in your lungs, I’d recommend not singing. That’s your fuel source you’re messing with, and if you’re having trouble breathing you should be resting.
3. If you’ve got plugged eustacean tubes, stuffy nose, and/or mild allergies you usually pretty good to sing though that. Usually. You still have to be the steward of your own voice.
4. If you’ve been diagnosed with Laryngitis, please don’t sing. If you have pneumonia, or even walking pneumonia... go... home.
If you’re doing something important and the show must go on while you’re dealing with something particularly bad, go see a doctor. Don’t rely on natural remedies to carry you through the event. They soothe and might cut down your mucus levels, but sometimes you might need some medical grade juju to help you.
What medicines can you take?
If you’re actively singing, stay away from Aspirin and Ibuprofen, and go for Tylenol if you’ve gotta have something to reduce swelling. But don’t “Med up” in anticipation of something going wrong. If you’re not, then go to the doctor and take what they tell you to.
What about natural remedies?
I’ll say it. As far as “curing” illnesses? Pretty much all of them are garbage. As far as making a person feel better... That depends on what you want. If you like warm beverages likes teas, then that should smooth a sore throat. Stuffy sinuses and nasal passages? Maybe nettipotting is your speed. Sometimes some apple cider vinegar in boiling water over a stove will give you some relief for a congested chest. These treat symptoms and don’t “cure” your illness. But anything that you want to do that will soothe whatever you’re dealing with is a welcome thing.
Remember to take care of yourselves in this icky season.
