You Caught the Flu: What Do You Do Now?
By Genevieve Cunningham
The fall is the season of illness. It seems that we catch cold after cold. We sometimes still have lingering allergies. And of course, there's the dreaded flu. For the most part, we try to avoid the flu. We get the vaccine and wash our hands more than usual and cover our mouths and noses in public. But inevitably, the flu germs still slip through the cracks. So what do we do once we're sick? How do we heal quickly and efficiently? If you want to be prepared for the flu this season, take a look at these tips for healing up and getting over it as soon as possible.
See Your Doctor
If you suspect that you have the flu, the first thing you should do is see your doctor. The doctor can perform a simple test to diagnose your flu type. Once there has been an official diagnosis, they may be able to prescribe an antiviral medication to shorten the duration and severity of your illness.
Get Plenty of Rest
The only way to get rid of the flu is to wait it out. While you're down and out, make sure you're getting plenty of rest. Rest allows your body to heal and gives your immune system the space it needs to fight the infection. If you think you're ready to get up and get moving, give it an extra day or two to ensure that your body doesn't fatigue or catch another illness and put you right back where you started.
Drink More Fluids
When we're sick, the body gets dehydrated more quickly. And if dehydration sets in, we get a whole new set of problems. Make sure that you're drinking plenty of fluids all day long. If your stomach is upset, choose a drink that is known to settle it. The best approach is to sip slowly so that you constantly replenish your body and don't give your stomach more than it can handle.
Stay Away From Others
This should be a no-brainer. If you're sick, stay away from other people. The last thing you want to do is spread the illness to other people -- some of whom could be particularly at risk. Stay away from public places until your symptoms are long gone. This helps end the spread and also protects you from catching anything that may complicate your current illness.
The flu is no fun. It's painful and exhausting and sometimes dangerous. But for most people, it's something that passes without much problem. Use these tips to make it through this common virus, and you can get back to normal life in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Henderson, Nev.