Getting poorly: The common cold is all too common

Early career teachers: A magnet for coughs and colds

We all know people who can't hold a conversation without coughing, but I've never been one of those people. Before I started teaching, I would get the odd cold, but I always managed to stay relatively healthy. I consistently avoided those nasty tickly coughs and painful chesty coughs, and I was rarely forced to stay in bed because of a seasonal cold. Thinking back, my ability to avoid picking up these nasty bugs might have had everything to do with the fact that I had zero interaction with children.

During the pandemic, children were labelled 'super spreaders', and it's not surprising why schools are a hotbed for germs. With multiple children coughing and vomiting, without the best hygiene, it's no wonder I picked up the most painful coughs, sore throats, COVID and norovirus.  I can honestly say that my first year of teaching involved the worst bouts of colds and illnesses that I've ever experienced.

As a teacher, you're always using your voice, and it's really easy to lose it. I always carried lozenges with me and often drank a hot cup of Beechams before my morning coffee. During my first half-term break, I went to Poundland and stocked up on cough mixture and medication. I had a drawer full of hot blackcurrant sachets and cough and flu capsules, which all needed replenishing by Christmas.

Experienced teachers all remember their early years in teaching and the many coughs and colds that accompanied them. They're aware of the plight of new teachers and understand that early career teachers are clear targets for every type of bug and virus. Experienced teachers have built up strong immune systems and are able to fight off germs much better than new teachers. 

Your health is the most valuable thing you have, and it will be tested during your first year of teaching. As a trainee, you need to do everything you can to keep yourself healthy. Taking vitamins, eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are all really important. The body will make it very clear when it needs an early night, some nutritious food or more hydration. There will be times when you're too ill for school and you will need to stay at home. At my school, teachers had to text the headteacher in the morning if they were unwell. This was discussed during my very first Inset day, before the start of term, and I had my headteacher's mobile number.

Trainees need to use their weekends wisely, making space to rest, recharge and get healthy. Sometimes your body simply needs a rest. Put your health first and do all you can to preserve it. I know it's not always easy.