Flu Season: How to Prevent Losing your Voice Before an acting Audition
Flu Season: How to Prevent Losing your Voice Before an acting Audition
It’s that time of year again. No, not the time of year when the Christmas decorations go up or the leaves start changing colors. It’s flu season. And as any actor knows, losing your voice before an audition is pretty much the worst thing that could happen. So here are a few tips to help keep you from getting sick and losing your voice this winter.
Drink plenty of fluids
Staying hydrated is key to keeping your throat from becoming dry, which helps prevent the spread of germs. Also, be sure to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages as these can actually dehydrate you and make it more likely that you’ll get sick.
Some good drink options besides water include warm tea with honey and lemon, natural fruit juices, and electrolyte-rich beverages like Gatorade or coconut water.
Get plenty of rest
Getting enough sleep helps keep your immune system strong so it can fight off any germs that may come your way. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and if you’re feeling tired during the day, take a quick nap in order to recharge.
Wash hands often
One of the best ways to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands often. Make sure you scrub for at least 20 seconds every time and use warm water if possible. You can also carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you in case you don’t have access to a sink.
Limit contact with sick people
If someone around you is sick, try to limit your contact with them. Avoid sharing drinks, food, or other personal items and try to keep your distance as much as possible.
Take immune-boosting supplements
Taking a daily supplement like Vitamin C or Echinacea can help boost your immunity and make it less likely that you’ll get sick. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements and always follow the directions on the label.
Elevate your head while you sleep
Breathing in the dry air from a heating system can make your throat dry out during the night and leave you more susceptible to getting sick.
To combat this, try sleeping with an extra pillow or two under your head so that the air flows better.
Gargle with warm salt water a few times a day
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe your throat and reduce inflammation. Simply mix a tablespoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
On top of causing de-hydration, smoking and drinking alcohol can also suppress the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off any germs that may be lingering around. So it’s best to avoid both, especially during flu season.
While there’s no guarantee that you’ll never get sick this winter, following these tips should help keep you healthy and your voice in good shape. And if all else fails and you do end up getting the flu, we hope our tips for how to recover quickly will come in handy. Stay healthy everyone!
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