What to Do When You're Sick and the Show Must Go On

Let us set the scene.

The show opens on Friday. On Wednesday morning, after a long tech rehearsal the night before, you wake up with a tickle in your throat. You dismiss it, and tell yourself it's nothing, that you're fine, just tired... But by Thursday, you're coughing, achy, and blowing through tissues. There's no denying it now-- you're sick. With your show opening tomorrow, what's a performer to do?

The common cold typically lasts 7-10 days, and full recovery might take longer. While a quick 24-hour recovery isn't likely, in most cases it is possible to alleviate symptoms. However, if you're severely ill, bedridden, or caught a nasty stomach bug, it's best to skip the show entirely and let your understudy shine. But for that pesky sore throat and stuffy nose, we've got you covered.

What to Do

Protect Others & Rest Up

Misery loves company, but your castmates won't love it if you get them sick! If you're too sick to attend rehearsal, inform your cast manager immediately. You can use this time to study your script and music, if possible. If you decide to attend rehearsal, take precautions: use hand sanitizer, wear a face mask, and avoid close contact with others.

Hydrate

Getting plenty of fluids helps your body flush out the "bad" by transporting immune cells where they need to go. Drinking water can also help thin any mucus you may have to relieve congestion, plus it can assist with regulating your body temperature if you're running a slight fever. Honestly, there's not many reasons not to drink water when you're sick.

Don't Push Through-- Adapt

Consider making minor adjustments to your performance that take your current limitations into account, and involve your show's creative team in the process where appropriate. It's tempting to push through, but not wise. There is never a valid reason to--for example-- belt out a song if it risks damaging your voice further. It can be discouraging to feel like you're "phoning it in," but the last thing you want is to push yourself too hard. If you do, you can end up staying sicker longer, or even risk permanent damage, especially to your voice in its vulnerable state. Resist the temptation to "just push through," and opt for adaptations that keep your health and wellness in mind.

Try Home Remedies

To clear congestion, use steam. Use a humidifier or take a hot shower. You can also boil water, then carefully move the water to a large bowl and inhale the steam under a towel. Try adding eucalyptus oil to your steam concoction, too! Neti pots can also help clear sinuses by pushing saline through the nasal passages to flush out mucus and irritants.

For a sore throat, you can gargle with saltwater by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water. Gargle for 30 seconds to clear mucus, bacteria, and reduce inflammation.

If you want something to drink, we've already mentioned the famous Throat Coat tea, but you can also try the "Medicine Ball," primarily known now as Honey Citrus Mint Tea at Starbucks. Create your own version at home by heating lemonade until steaming, then combine with hot water, honey, herbal citrus tea (like peach), and mint green tea for a treat that soouthes the throat and helps clear the sinuses.

Your immune system will thank you for taking some extra care of it with supplements. Vitamin C and zinc supplements will be your best bet to kick this cold, as these will boost and safeguard your immune system, in addition to preventing the virus from lodging itself in the throat and nose.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you're feeling more than "a little under-the-weather," it's time to call up the doc and get to the bottom of the issue. Sometimes, the show must go on without a sick cast member, and that's okay. You long-term wellbeing is much more important than one performance!

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Common cold, beware! With these quick tips, you can still take the stage on your opening night, but you'll want to rest up and focus on recovery shortly after. Get well soon, and break a leg!

What's your favorite home remedy for a cold?