Taking care of yourself is the best way to get better as quickly as possible. This will make it easier for you to hide your sickness in the long term. For example, when getting extra rest, don’t make it obvious. Don’t announce to everyone that you are going to bed early, and don’t mention taking naps if you don’t normally. If eating makes you feel sick, don’t eat much but don’t specifically say you aren’t hungry or anything about not eating. Most likely, no one will ask about your eating habits. Don’t force yourself to be more active than you should be in order to not raise suspicion. You may be tempted to fight through it, but this will make you sicker and will probably result in people discovering you’re sick.
Gargle salt water (in private, of course) to soothe a sore throat. Drink tea with honey in it to soothe your throat and prevent coughing. Eat chicken soup to restore your energy and soothe your throat.
For example, if you’re noticeably sniffling from a runny nose, go to a nearby restroom and blow your nose to keep yourself from sniffling for a little while. If you think you might throw up, be ready to go to the bathroom fairly quickly. Doing something like vomiting on the floor will instantly give you away and be awkward.
You should especially avoid starting any fights. Yelling is a quick way to absolutely kill your voice, so don’t talk about anything that might anger someone and warrant an argument. Sometimes coughing once will take your voice away, but coughing again will bring it back sounding normal. You often will just know if your voice is going to work or not depending on how your throat feels, so try clearing your throat or coughing before speaking if you have to talk.
Only try to hide being sick if you both really need to and think it’s possible. If your reasons don’t involve needing to do something, think hard about them, because having people know you’re sick is not always as bad as you expect it will be.
You can also add a few drops of replenishing oil to your moisturizer to add even more nourishment to your skin.
Your best bet will be to use a face mask that specifically says “infused with vitamins” or “with advanced antioxidants” on the front label.
If your eyelashes aren’t very long, you can also use mascara on the lower lashes to make your eyes look bigger.
Drinking plenty of water to stay rehydrating will also help make your face less puffy.
Fever, particularly over 103 °F (39 °C). Throwing up, particularly within the last 24 hours. A terrible and frequent cough that would disrupt everyone and would prevent you from doing what you do normally. Having a job that requires physical labor, or having PE at school that involves heavier exercise. Any illness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For example, even if a family member says they don’t care about sharing a cup, don’t let them drink out of yours to avoid raising suspicion or because it doesn’t really affect you. Wash your hands frequently. Before touching anything anyone else in the house might touch, wash your hands. Wash them before eating, etc. If you think your family will notice, wash them in a bathroom sink or somewhere they won’t hear. Don’t do chores or work that may cause your family members to be exposed to your germs. If it’s your responsibility to cook a meal or set the table, for example, find a non-sickness-related excuse in order to not do it. Your family may be annoyed, but know you’re doing it for them.
This is also good for your health, as hours of quiet reading are more restful than playing games in a hectic living room. Note that you don’t have to sit alone or ignore your friends, just don’t go out of your way to initiate conversations. If you can choose to work alone or in a group, choose to be alone when you can.
