Dear Dance Diva,

I recently caught a bug. My symptoms were fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose and low energy so I had a COVID test and stayed away from the dance studio while I waited for my results. It came back negative. My fever is gone and my energy is back, but I still have a sore throat, runny nose and cough. I’m sure this is just a common cold and I really want to go back to the studio for some group classes, but I’m not sure it’s a good idea. I’m wondering what you think I should do.

—Sick and Tired of Not Dancing

Dear Sick and Tired of Not Dancing,

I’m happy to hear you do not have COVID-19, but please do NOT go to the studio when you are sick! Even if it is “just a cold,” an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In other words, it’s better to take a few precautions now rather than suffer consequences, possibly serious ones, later. Besides spreading germs to everyone with whom you come into contact, it’ll end up taking you longer to fully recover if you don’t allow yourself to time rest while your body is fighting to rid itself of the germs making you sick.

Moving forward, pandemic or not, be sure to practice good hygiene to keep from spreading illness, both in and out of the studio. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask when required and sneeze or cough into a clean tissue, handkerchief or your elbow to reduce airborne germs. It’s also a good idea to get a flu shot every year.

Feel better soon, but until you do, stick to dancing by yourself at home.

Dance Diva

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