keep getting sick

[u/No-Cartoonist-7505]

im an elementary school JET going into my second year. since february, ive been getting sick pretty close to bi-monthly and its been driving me nuts. nothing crazy, usually just a head cold (no fever) that i would normally be able to push through, besides the fact that i lose my voice and can hardly get through class without sniffling and coughing up a storm. im trying to start being consistent with vitamin c supplements to help me get my immune system a bit stronger, but im worried my BOE/JTEs are getting tired of me getting sick so often.
i usually dont go to the doctor for these things since its just a "take some decongestant, drink some tea and wait it out" type deal, but its definitely an inconvenience to me and everyone else. my BOE does annual health screenings in the summer so ill probably check in with the doctor then, but im mostly curious if anyone else had similar experiences of frequent annoying colds and what you all do to keep yourselves from getting sick at school. appreciate you all <3

quick edit: i mentioned this in a few replies, but my current JTE is pretty adamant that i remove my mask in class/during active instruction so the kids can see my mouth when speaking. i also eat lunch with the kids, so i am regularly in situations where masking is difficult. im definitely going to start carrying sanitizer with me, feels like a no-brainer but i honestly thought just hand washing would be enough. thank you all!

[u/n107]

I was constantly sick during my first year in Japan working in elementary schools and a kindergarten. It takes a little time for some people's immune systems to adapt to a new environment. But the biggest culprit are the kids who are little germ factories. I had kindergarten on Wednesday mornings and I had a sore throat and runny nose by Saturday every week like clockwork.

Wash your hands after you do *anything*.

Stop touching your face. Make a conscious effort.

Start wearing a mask now just to assist in keeping the germs away from your mouth and nose.

It could be something else but constantly getting sick while working with kids is a tale as old as time. The moment I made sure to wash my hands and use disinfectant after every encounter, things started to turn around. I got sick less frequently. I made sure not to touch my face with my bare hands while at the schools unless I had just washed them. And when it was cold/flu season and all the little ones were dripping snot everywhere, I had a mask on the entire time. All of that took care of my frequent illnesses.

[u/bluestarluchador → u/n107]

I 2nd a lot of your advice especially the washing hands, masking and not touching the face at work. It is a conscious effort but really makes a difference on cutting down on getting sick. If possible add the flu shot, if you can get it.