Results 1 to 25 of 25

Thread: Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

  1. #1
    Veteran Member francesca's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Vegas
    Posts
    315
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Has anyone noticed getting sick more frequently while working as a dancer? I mean, we are face to face with so many different people in a day...even holding hands with a customer can spread germs. I am really careful about touching my face after coming into contact with people, and I wash my hands a lot, but think of all the airborne germs that we are exposed to (this applies especially to lapdancing).

    I take vitamins and supplements every day and eat well to keep my immune system up, but I still think I am getting sick more than I should. I think this is just a job hazard that can only be avoided to a certain degree. Anyone else experience this or is it just me?

    * FIND YOUR POWER ANIMAL

  2. #2
    God/dess Zabrina's Avatar
    Joined
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    2,892
    Thanks
    17
    Thanked 42 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Yep, theres the germs from people, from touching dirty money, drinking alcohol, and especially from breathing in all the smoke. Oh yeah, and going to bed after 2 am I'm sure is not good for our health either.

  3. #3
    Veteran Member
    Joined
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    300
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 13 Times in 4 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    It comes with the job, get used to it.

    Get ready to stock up on vitamins, cold medicine, and antibacterial soap. Don't forget your flu shot either, it helps.

    I've also found it helps not to overwork yourself.

  4. #4
    Veteran Member Miss Courtney's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2003
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    351
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Yes I get this too. For ages I thought something was wrong with me, it wasn't until I was talking to one of the other girls at work that I realised it is from work, the hours, the hands, the money, the smoke etc. It all does. I find taking garlic and eccinacea and spirulina help me a lot. Also make sure you get enough sleep...

  5. #5
    mermaidnz
    Guest

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    my friend back in nz, is always sick. coughing, flu like symptoms, sore back ,ankle you name it, shes spending more time off work cos shes so sick, then actually working! its not good for her, im getting pretty worried to be honest, she used to be healthy, she takes HEAPS of vitamins and really looks after hersalf, but shes always at the doctors,never at work. im sure the weather in new zealand doesnt help, which is why she is coming to stay with me for a month in sunny australia.....im hoping a stress free relaxing holiday, relativly smoke free with recharge her for a while.

    luckly i have a pretty good immune system ( so far!!!) im not too keen on vitamins, but yeah i do worry sometimes about getting sick, although im more worried about seriously hurting myself....like in an accident or somehting, i dunno...now im just rambling...its half twelve in the morning...

  6. #6
    Member Lanternlite's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Austin, Texas
    Posts
    16
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Francesca,

    Did you just start dancing within the last 2-3 years?

    If so, what you are describing here here may be normal in your work environment. That is close contact with lots of other people with varing degrees of health and hosting many bacterial and viral pathegens.

    New nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other health care providers are exposed to similar environments in hospitals and patient care centers when they are beginning their careers.

    You are exposing your immune system to extrinsic pathegens that are new to your system. For the most part a healthy immune system in time will create natural anti-bodies for this type of exposure. This is called acquired immunity. For the most part it is healthy for you and will strengthen your immune system.

    In a few years as your immune system strengthens, as long as you remain otherwise healthy you will find that other people will get sick when something contagious is going around and you will not or only have a slight non-debilitating case.

    In the mean time eat right, exercise, get plenty of rest, maintain good hygeine, and take vitamin supplements daily.

    You also may want to consider adding additional vitamin C (1000 - 2000mg daily) to your vitamin intake.
    Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is suspected, but not yet clinically proven, to assist your immune system in generating additional natural alpha and beta interferon.
    Interferon is your body's own natural anti-viral agent.

    However, if conditions persist and/or become worse you would want to see your physician.

  7. #7
    God/dess
    Joined
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Puerto Rico
    Posts
    3,474
    Thanks
    1
    Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    It does help to have regularly scheduled checkups, just in case



  8. #8
    Pamela
    Guest

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    You can do everything in this world to avoid germs, and you will still get sick if you are dealing with the public. This is not bad, if you are not getting very ill. We need to be exposed to germs, thats how we build antibodies, and keep our immune system doing its job.

    PLus, it's that time of year, heated rooms with crowds. Germs thrive on heat, die in very cold, at least have a hard time surviving in air conditioning.

    Summer is always easier on us, winter hard. Number one above all that is very tough to remember, is to wash hands frequently. We don't always remember, but that is the number 1 way of contact.

    Good luck,
    Pamela

  9. #9
    God/dess
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Posts
    3,083
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 7 Times in 5 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Thanx lantern and pamela i found that very informative! This is something i worry about bcos i will be studying music when i come to the states and i'm worried about the effect this kind of working enviorment will have on my voice. Clubs do not permit somking in NY but i am worried about picking up colds and virusis (sp).

    Seraya.


  10. #10
    God/dess Lena's Avatar
    Joined
    Jun 2002
    Location
    On a sweet muddy river.
    Posts
    6,399
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 78 Times in 43 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    I almost never get sick, but I'm weird. I think it's normal the first couple years of dancing and especially the first six months or so to be sick, but if your sick ALL the time you need an HIV test.

    Lena



  11. #11
    God/dess Bridgette's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2002
    Location
    Gettin the fuck outta Dodge!
    Posts
    14,241
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    I think I used to get sicker more often than I do now. It comes with the territory. I've been dancing 8.5 years though, and I think I must be immune to it now for the most part. I did, however, get sick a couple times within a few months of moving down here to PR, and I think that was because of the change in environment. I seem to be fine now, in fact, I notice often that others are getting sick around me and I'm not. Even when it's my bf or best friend, I don't seem to catch whatever they have. I definitely think your immune system builds up to it over time. I also think it helps that I take vitamins, wash hands constantly at work (especially after getting off stage) and get my sleep.

    Quote Originally Posted by pheno View Post
    When you lead a nontraditional life don't try to measure it with traditional milestones.

  12. #12
    Member CutiePatootie's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    35
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Taking "Airborne" helps alot, too.
    I've been taking at least one every day and have managed not to get a cold this winter, even though I've been surrounded by sicky-poos.

    Peace & Hugs

  13. #13
    Featured Member MeganS's Avatar
    Joined
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    872
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 5 Times in 4 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    It must be an immunity biult up over time, because I've been dancing almost 7 years and I rarely get sick. I joke about all that vodka I drink as killing any germs festering inside of me, but seriously, washing your hands at work constantly is a must! So much nastiness and grimy crud in strip clubs from all the different human contact... Mariah, as far as going to bed after 2 am doesn't matter, just as long as you're getting the proper amount of sleep your body needs. I think most underestimate the adequate amount. At least 9 1/2 hours for women between 18 and mid thirties I think.
    "A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you."
    Francoise Sagan

  14. #14
    Featured Member Prester_John's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2003
    Location
    The Wastelands of New Jersey
    Posts
    1,839
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 14 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Mariah touched on something that is very important in health - getting enough consistent sleep. Because of bartending, I keep wacky and weird hours, much like a lot of dancers do. In the beginning I worked myself to death and was sick all the time. Once I decided to take better care of myself, that sickness went away (in fact, I just went through my first real stretch of being sick in years, which was probably because I stupidly walked to the store in the middle of the December blizzard).

    My sleep patterns are a mess from all the years of odd work hours, and I rarely get enough initial sleep. However, I make sure that if I didn’t get enough sleep the night before, I will take a nap of indeterminate duration before I go to work the next day, if I can (and I frequently can). Thus, when I go to that smoke filled environment where I am handling all sorts of money from strangers, and coming into contact with lots of different people per night, my body isn’t tired, and my immune system isn't lowered. I have been pretty healthy over the last few years, and I partially attribute it to my efforts to get enough sleep.

    Sleep isn't a luxury - it’s a requirement for good health. You don’t get enough sleep over a period of time, your immune system is compromised, and you are more prone to get sick over things maybe you normally wouldn’t. Of course vitamins, meds and good healthy diet is important too, but sleep should always be included in health necessities.

  15. #15
    Featured Member cash's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2003
    Location
    New York
    Posts
    983
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    i never really notice me getting really sick from this maybe the flu virus (that i don't really get that often if ever...or if i happen to be giving a lapdance if the guy is wearing denim then i might get a lil pimple ..(doesn't really happen often either")
    us: us: us: devil in disguise....

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Rayleen's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    648
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Flu shots are a must for a dancer

    Also get outside and get some fresh air and sunlight . Being in dark dank smokey rooms so often isn't very good for us.


  17. #17
    Member
    Joined
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    63
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    take "Airborne" and also get a pack of "Cold-Ease" losenges with zinc.keep a few in your dance bag,car,jacket pockets.and suck one every 2 hours at the first sign of a cold.

  18. #18
    Member
    Joined
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    63
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    oh yeah, i forgot..PINEAPPLE JUICE is great for sore throats,especially ones from yelling..drink it straight(no vodka?!)and fresh is best.

  19. #19
    God/dess doc-catfish's Avatar
    Joined
    Nov 2002
    Location
    123 Tornado Alley Way, Hooterville USA
    Posts
    6,322
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 36 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work


    Quote Originally Posted by MeganS link=board=1;threadid=5633;start=msg61098#msg61098 date=1073422763
    Mariah, as far as going to bed after 2 am doesn't matter, just as long as you're getting the proper amount of sleep your body needs. I think most underestimate the adequate amount. At least 9 1/2 hours for women between 18 and mid thirties I think.
    Quote Originally Posted by Prester_John link=board=1;threadid=5633;start=msg61099#msg61099 date=1073423497
    My sleep patterns are a mess from all the years of odd work hours, and I rarely get enough initial sleep. However, I make sure that if I didn’t get enough sleep the night before, I will take a nap of indeterminate duration before I go to work the next day, if I can (and I frequently can). Thus, when I go to that smoke filled environment where I am handling all sorts of money from strangers, and coming into contact with lots of different people per night, my body isn’t tired, and my immune system isn't lowered. I have been pretty healthy over the last few years, and I partially attribute it to my efforts to get enough sleep.
    Well since we're on the subject of getting 40 winks...

    I've worked a night job (overnight to be more specific) for the last six years and still to this day have had a tremendous time getting used to the adjustment.

    A key to getting good sleep is getting into a good sleep routine. One of the problems those of us who have jobs with unusual hours, or worse yet, flex hours, have is trying to reconcile that schedule with a world where a lot of things still run on a 9 to 5 basis. You've got to get to the bank by a certain hour, you have a medical appointment at xx:yy time, you've got to pick up the kids at school or day care at a certain time, etc. etc.

    This problem is compounded when our night(s) off from work or vacation time comes around and during those times we're tempted to live and play on a 9 to 5 schedule like a normal person. The next night back at work of course, you feel drained. Then you start trying to jump start your body with caffinated beverages. When you get home after a night that seemed to go on forever, tired as you are, you can't get to sleep.

    I've alleviated this problem somewhat by breaking my sleep into two sessions. I'll start the first approximately an hour after I get home from work. When I get up from my first sleeping session, I will then take an estimate of how long I slept to determine when I need to start the second session.

    I also try my best on my off nights to stay in the same sleeping pattern as my work nights. Every so often though, to engage in my "favorite pastime", I have to violate this ethic because the best time to show up at the club is often about the same time I'm starting that second sleep session. No wonder so many dancers think I'm not enjoying their company! I'm not bored, I just need a little shuteye.

    I can't stress enough how sleep keeps me from getting sick though. I've only been really sick a couple of times since I started working nights and those were early on before I got the hang of my new hours.

    I stress to you ladies to not only get the amount of sleep you need, but try to get some sort of routine established. Also lay off of things like caffine, alcohol, and cigarettes that are going to mess that routine up. I think that you'll see a difference.
    Former SCJ now in rehab.

  20. #20
    Veteran Member foxee555's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Florida
    Posts
    319
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Being sick is one of the biggest pain in the ass things about living in Guam! I just got over a severe flu that lasted a month and my throat starts hurting this morning! My friend is finishing an antibiotic cycle for laryngitis. It's never ending here. I assume it's the constant influx of people from all over the world (esp. Asia) bringing their germs. I know my ears perked when I heard about the recent case of SARS. Girls coming out here, pack your vitamins!!
    I am lazy and I like to party


  21. #21
    God/dess Lexi's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Jerz
    Posts
    6,117
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    THHHHATS it... Francesca, you are way too hot girly!!! Both of your avatars leave me droolin lol
    You go girl! oh wait...back to the topic

    Yes I am sick right now... ever since I started dancing, I seem to get sick a bunch more. Last year I must have gotten sick 4 times

  22. #22
    Member CutiePatootie's Avatar
    Joined
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    35
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    "Airborne" is a dietary supplement that you can find where they stock cold medicines. It's a tablet kinda like Alka-Seltzer that you drop in water and it fizzes. It's like a multivitamin, but the effervescence means your body absorbs the vitamins immediately, instead of having to wait.
    It really does work!

    Peace & Hugs


  23. #23
    Featured Member Fawn's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Posts
    1,650
    Thanks
    48
    Thanked 24 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Whats really sad is my first day at least four of the girls dancing actually had the flu. So did the manager. I was afraid to dance for any one they'd gone near.
    " Remember during each test there is some girl in Australia jealous of you who wants to do what you're doing."- Lilithmorrigan

    " If you're young and sexy, why not spend a few years
    Shopping and Fucking? Life is short, but youth is shorter. Ride the wheels off, I say." - FeministStripper

  24. #24
    Veteran Member francesca's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Vegas
    Posts
    315
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Thanks Lexi! You are too kind.

    I'm going to try Airborne...I have been on antibiotics for three days and I'm NOT GETTING BETTER! (I've been HIV tested...that is nonreactive.) My throat is killing me and I can barely get out of bed

    I have to get back to work! This sucks!
    * FIND YOUR POWER ANIMAL

  25. #25
    God/dess Lexi's Avatar
    Joined
    Jan 2003
    Location
    Jerz
    Posts
    6,117
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re:Getting sick b/c of human contact at work

    Francesca,
    I have had the same kind of thing for the past week or two now. It started right after christmas and I still cough and feel sick. I think it was the flu or something. I had to call out of work 2 times because of this. It is terrible
    I lived on dayquil and all that which was only for temporary relief... I hope ya feel better

Similar Threads

  1. Is it ever worth going into work when you are sick?
    By Nuclear Martini in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 22
    Last Post: 02-11-2011, 04:33 PM
  2. Sick of not being motivated to GO to work
    By exotica268 in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 11-24-2009, 05:39 PM
  3. I am missing more work because I am sick... AGAIN!
    By Nuclear Martini in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 10-17-2009, 09:40 AM
  4. Do you work when you are sick?
    By funlatina82 in forum Stripping (was Stripping General)
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 10-31-2006, 08:05 AM
  5. being sick at work
    By ashleyrose in forum Body Business
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-18-2004, 06:07 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •