Sick Room and Self-Imposed Quarantine for Common Illnesses

Some things are so simple that they used to be taken for granted. When viruses and infections such as influenza used to make an appearance, people living at the last turn of the century would likely not have dreamed of venturing out to school, traveling, shopping or anything that we don't think twice about now.

Of course, such sicknesses used to be much more threatening, and containment measures drastic - our ancestors were not as fortunate as we are with access to antibiotics and general healthcare. Although we don't necessarily have to fear death from what we consider to be mundane illnesses now, we can play it smart by taking a few lessons from those who've gone before us.

The recent swine flu scare reminds us how easily, quickly, and widely disease is now transmitted. No more waiting months for the rat infested ships to come in from other continents-in a matter of hours, virus and contagions are now making their way from shore to shore, thanks to thousands of daily international flights.

Compared to this, the transmission is light speed in the workplace, your child's day care or school, or any close knit environment. I have been astounded time after time when families make the decision to send a sick child to school, or hearing violent hacking coughs and non-stop sniffles on airplanes, and in movie theaters.

As a massage therapist, I was equally astounded when my bodywork clients would show up for an appointment sometimes very sick, with no warning to me. Explaining it is probably not a great idea to be out and about, or receiving body work under such circumstances, often I would receive assurances from the clients that they were feeling okay enough for a massage, and able to handle it. I would have to find a tactful and professional way to explain I wasn't simply concerned about their own health.

Although the demands, expectations, and responsibilities of modern lifestyles make it more difficult to stay home and impose a self-quarantine than in previous centuries, it's smart to take a closer look at the situation, and decide if you or your family members really need to venture out.

The sick room is an added benefit for families or household members. The less contact the sick person has with others, and common areas and objects, the less chance there is of transmitting the illness to others living in the same environment. Below are directions and ideas for creating a natural, modern-day sick room for common, mundane illnesses.

The sick room is a health room

With the idea that thoughts create reality, it's a good idea to put as positive spin on the old fashioned sick room as possible. Referring to it as the "health room" seems to fit the bill. There's an idea in the renaming, of a goal-and it doesn't bring to mind some morbid, austere dungeon where people go to rot away in solitude. So, from here on out, the sick room will be referred to as a health room.

Environment of the health room

Fresh air, even in a cold climate or season is essential. Open the window(s.) If the chill factor is an issue, pile on the blankets for comfort. The room should be as clean as possible, with freshly dusted and clean surfaces, and swept and mopped floors. Neatness is also ideal-a lovely made bed with freshly washed, crisp linens is always a pleasure, and lifts the spirits, and is physically more comfortable far more than a messy, unmade bed.

Items for the health room

An essential oil burner with a disinfectant type of oil such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil is good for the sinuses and lungs, as well as keeping the air itself clean.

For adults, keep a pitcher of water filled with ice on a table or tray, within reach, as well as several clean cups. Medication, tissues, and any necessities should be kept on the table as well. A large basket or receptacle should be in reach as well, for used tissues and trash.

Even putting used dishes, plates, cups utensils, linens, etc. in a large basket or receptacle makes for easy, non-contact transport by a caregiver. Handle and wash the items from the health room separately from other household items.

For children, consider keeping these items near the door outside the room, so they are within easy access for the caregiver, while still away from the normal household areas.

A bell or whistle within reach allows the sick person to summon a caregiver without having to leave the room, or call out in a larger house. Ideally, the sick room will be as distant as possible from the other, most common living quarters.

Of course, magazines, books, a DVD player with several movies, a laptop, or any items needed for entertainment should be within reach of the bed.

More ideas

If your home has more than one bathroom, designate the closest one to the health room as the health room bathroom. It should be clean as well, and remove oft-used personal items of others such as toothbrushes, combs, toothpaste, to the other bathroom for use.

Finally, remember to clean (with a goal of disinfecting) everything well after the person has healed, and the quarantine is over. Contain and wash all linens, clothing, and everything separately from the other household items.

Using a bit of one of the essential oils mentioned above in a spray bottle filled with water, clean the surfaces of the health room, as well as objects such as books, appliances, and anything that was used in the room. Of course, a traditional Lysol or a bleach and water solution can be used as well.