The show must go on

I woke up today with a sore throat, body aches and congestion.  This is when most of us start praying that it won't get worse the next day.  For singers, this is a especially stressful time since singing sick is one of the worst experiences.  Most people can take a day off or find someone to take their shift in order to get better, but the average singer in a band doesn't have a substitute.  In many cases if the singer is sick, then the show gets cancelled.  The pressure of knowing that everything falls on your shoulders can be difficult, however with experience singing sick just becomes part of the job.  It is rare for performers to stay healthy all year round.  Performance schedules, travel and constant contact with the public punishes the immune system.


Over the years, I have discovered some home treatments that work for me. No miracle cures, but things that help me get through my shows.  I have sung with Laryngitis, throat infections, strep throat, colds and the flu.  Not that it is smart to work instead of rest, but sometimes you have no choice.

Here are some tips on how to sing sick.

1. Don't talk

This may sound funny, but the simple act of talking can make you hoarse. Celine Dion answers questions by tapping on her phone on the day of a show.  Even whispering uses your vocal chords so avoid talking unnecessarily all day. Start to do some warm ups a few hours before your show.  This will help you gauge where your voice may crack so you can avoid songs in that key.

2.  Drink chamomile tea with honey and lemon (Ginger optional)
These three ingredients are natures best defense when fighting a cold. Chamomile has been used as a healing plant for 1000's of years. Honey (natural) soothes the throat, has anti-bacterial properties and boosts the immune system.  Lemons have more Vitamin C then an orange. This drink packs a punch and is relatively cheap. This website has some fun facts and a recipe I like that you can try.  www.instructables.com

3.  Take a hot steamy shower
This may sound gross, but clearing out the sinuses is essential.  You can also boil some water in a pot, add Vicks Vaporub, put a towel over your head and inhale slowly. I did this when I was sick with the flu and had to sing at the Niagara Food Festival. It was the only time I had to use this technique and it got me through two 45 minute sets.

4.  Take a pain-reliever and decongestant
Personally I avoid taking drugs because I hate swallowing pills. Medication can also give you dry mouth and upset stomach.  But this is the only time that I will cave and convince myself to take some. The reality is you have to dry up the sinuses in order to avoid coughing. Coughing is your worst enemy because it makes you hoarse. The pain-reliever is to take away the body pain and sore throat. Unfortunately, I have never found alcohol to be helpful.

5.  Suck it up Buttercup
This is the hardest step because not everyone has the ability to suffer with a smile.  But that's your job.  It takes sheer determination and inner strength to push through when performing sick, but every time you succeed it amounts to more experience singing under the worst conditions.  When i'm feeling discouraged I like to read this excerpt by David Ackert from the LA Times for inspiration.

Fun Health Facts about Lemon, Honey and Chamomile and Ginger

• Lemon is antiseptic, aids digestion, and is great source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, bioflavonoids.
• Honey is antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral.
• Chamomile helps to ease upset stomach, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
• Ginger is antiviral, anti-inflammatory, aids with digestion, and is effective against human respiratory syncytial virus