Flu season has officially arrived! Starting October and running through springtime, its effects begin wreaking havoc for victims, leaving them suffering with achy, congested coughing as well as fevers. Already the flu has made its mark here in The Garden State but it’s never too late to get your flu shot – your best defense against sickness! In case it happens anyways take note of these strategies for managing flu-like symptoms!
Influenza is an extremely contagious respiratory virus, making you exhausted and miserable for up to two weeks. This year’s outbreak was one of the worst seen ever and especially affected those most at risk; elderly individuals, young children and people with compromised immune systems. Influenza can even prove fatal.
How do I know it’s flu?
Symptoms of Flu tend to manifest quickly and may spread throughout the body quickly, with typical signs including:
- A dry cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle aches
- Weakness and fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
Rest at home
Rest at Home Sleep is key during times of illness. Get as much rest as you can and when awake don’t think twice about napping on the sofa; doing this will give your energy levels the boost they need to fight off flu symptoms. Assuming you don’t want to spread the virus or expose your weak immune system to other illnesses, take this time for restful relaxation and sleeping as much as possible – whether that means in bed, the living room chair, or just watching plenty of television! Resting and recovering as much as possible will strengthen your immunity against its assault, strengthening it against future infections.
Drink plenty of fluids
Hydrate Staying hydrated is the key to quickly beating flu. One telltale sign of flu symptoms is sweating, leading to dehydration. Drinking plenty of fluids to replenish lost fluids and fight infections will help boost your recovery faster. For those not fond of drinking plain old H2O directly, low-sugar squash or herbal tea are good alternatives; caffeine and alcohol could contribute to further dehydration as well as inflammation; try opting for herbal tea or warm broth as these provide additional options that could lessen mucus production and prevent dehydration!
Take action against body aches and fever
Fever is your body’s natural response to an invasion from virus infection such as influenza; treatment options include Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen to lower fever.
Take a steamy shower
When suffering from congestion or coughing, nothing beats taking a steamy shower to ease congestion. Make sure the heat is turned up so you don’t get chilled and let all that steam escape! For added relief you could also purchase shower tabs from drug stores or grocery stores which feature menthol and eucalyptus to clear airways and ease coughs; or add essential oils or chest rub to a washcloth then allow hot water to let off its own steam to help relieve congestion.
Go for cough control
Coughing fits can make sleeping uncomfortable. Try sleeping with your head resting and applying a soothing chest rub to relax you further, followed by taking cough medicine such as an expectorant to help loosen mucus build-up in your chest and relieve congestion.
Relieve sinus pressure and swelling
Take advantage of saline nasal sprays available on the market, which can help unclog your nose without drying your membranes out. Make use of this tool to thin mucus production and blow your nose effectively. Unlike medicated options, saline spray can be used whenever necessary.
Eat something healthy
Eat healthily Its While it can be tempting to succumb to your desires when suffering from illness, your body needs nutritious food in order to fight off influenza and stay well. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and energy-giving protein for fighting off the flu. If your appetite returns in time, eat as many as possible knowing that eventually your appetite will return as well. Nobody enjoys cooking or eating large meals when sick, yet eating enough to sustain energy levels is essential to staying well. Consider light foods like applesauce, fresh fruit, cheese, crackers or the classic chicken soup from grandmas as light meals that your stomach can handle until it feels better and you are able to consume larger meals at your leisure.
Stay propped up
Make sure that you always maintain an uplifting attitude. Keeping an optimistic approach can only benefit both yourself and others in the long run.
Are you having trouble sleeping due to nasal congestion or cough? One way you may be able to reduce it is to keep your head elevated with comfortable pillows – this should provide relief from sinus pressure and congestion. Even better results could come from taking a steamy, hot shower or bath just before getting ready for bed.
Be kind to yourself
Be kind to yourself mes Allowing yourself time and space while fighting off flu can help your body heal itself faster. Stressing over not being able to continue activities like socializing, work or exercise could have adverse consequences on both physical and psychological well-being; be kind and allow time for full recovery.
