The influenza, or flu for short, can affect up to 20% of the US population yearly.
Its symptoms include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches and body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever, vomiting, or diarrhea (not everyone experiences this)
Most times, flu activity would peak between December to February, contenting through the early spring. It can even linger until May in the US. In other countries (like those in Asia), the flu season begins during the rainy season, which is from May to July.
So what can you do to prepare for the flu season? Whether you get sick with the flu or want to prevent it, read on as I show you the simple and effective tips you need to know about.
What to Do If You’ve Got the Flu
Got the flu this flu season? For those with mild illnesses and are usually fairly healthy, you won’t require immediate medical care. But you do need to take better care of yourself during these times to prevent the flu from worsening.
Don’t let the sickness get to extremities and make sure that you’re prepared! Follow these three simple tips to recover quickly and effectively:
1. Take Medicine and Bed rest
While the influenza virus has seriously hit the world back in the 20th century, technology and medicine has made it treatable today. There are now drugs that your doctor may prescribe to treat the flu, or over-the-counter antivirals to help you feel better quickly. They can also prevent any serious symptoms and complications the flu may hit you with.
You can stock up on cold or flu medicine when you feel the flu season beginning so you won’t have to worry about going to the drugstore for them. If you have a fever, you can also take fever-reducing medicine.
While you take your medication, bed rest is absolutely crucial. Your body needs the rest to recover quicker, and you wouldn’t want to be going out doing daily activities, since you’re weak and can spread the virus to anyone you meet!
Take this time to stay in bed all day and stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever or symptoms have gone.
2. Hydrate and Eat Healthy
Eating healthy and staying hydrated is prevention AND a cure! You are what you eat and your body will thank you as you nourish it with healthy food with nutrients to fight off the virus better. The same goes for drinking more water.
So when you’re sick, drink a lot of fluids such as water, tea, and other low-sugar electrolyte drinks for hydration. Don’t take alcohol or caffeine, which may have you feel worse and dehydrate you more. You will need at least eight glasses a day.
While you may lose your appetite, avoid skipping meals, and consume small dishes and snacks throughout the day. Make sure that they are rich in fruits and vegetables. You can have some of your comfort food (like cookies or hot soup), but avoid soups and food with high sodium, which may dehydrate you further.
3. Clean, Clean, Clean!
Lastly, if you’re preparing ahead, be sure to stock up on cleaning essentials such as tissue, hand sanitizer, and alcohol since you’ll be sneezing and blowing your nose a lot.
You will also need home cleaning products. If you can, clean your home or have someone do it for you to kill flu viruses to prevent it from spreading or coming back to you.
Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands right after and keep all surfaces clean, wiping them down with household cleaner and a clean cloth.
If ever your symptoms persist after at least a week or you are part of the high-risk group, then contact a Brisbane House Call Doctor immediately.
They will be able to treat your flu with the right medicine and treatments. When heading out to the doctor, be sure to use a face mask to avoid spreading the virus!
Flu Prevention Tips
Now that you know the basic tips on dealing with the flu during flu season, how can you prevent it from happening? Here are some quick tips toward the flu away:
- Get vaccinated! Yearly vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu, and you will need to do it along with your entire household, including children
- Know more about the flu and be sure to learn about the triggers, especially if you or a loved one is at greater risk of its complications. Note that older people, pregnant women, young children, and those with health conditions are more prone and at greater risk of the flu
- Always wash your hands and keep a clean environment. Avoid going near sick people, if possible
- Eat healthy and exercise regularly, which can strengthen your immune system
- Drink vitamins and stay hydrated to keep your body healthy
Wrapping It Up
While the flu may not be as serious as it was before, it will still require treatment, especially if you are part of the high-risk group. Fortunately, it isn’t as difficult to care for yourself when you’ve got struck by the flu. Bed rest and healthier lifestyle choices are what you need!
Furthermore, prevention is far better than cure, so now that you are aware of when the flu season is, prepare ahead to ensure that you and your family are safe!
I am Bhagwati Suthar, Founder of Jobiba & TezLife.com. I am a Blogger, Affiliate Marketer and a Digital Marketer from Udaipur, India. At JobibaBlog, We share articles about Blogging, Marketing & Advertising, Business and Tech Tips.
