Influenza or flu is a contagious viral infection that targets the respiratory system, including the throat, nose and lungs. While it is known more commonly as the flu, it differs from stomach flu, where the patient suffers from diarrhoea and vomiting.
Although most people can recover from flu, some develop complications. These include babies under six months, older adults, and people with other medical conditions like heart problems, asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease. Pregnant women or those who have just given birth, and those with weak immune systems are also at a higher risk of developing flu complications.
Flu symptoms
Initially, flu may appear to be a common cold, often accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, and constant sneezing. However, a cold does not develop as quickly as the flu does. And while the common cold is annoying, the flu has other symptoms that make you feel sicker and weaker. These symptoms include fever, muscle pains, headaches, chills, sore throat, and fatigue. You may also have a lingering dry cough and painful eyes. For young children and some adults, flu can also be accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the symptoms and feel better. First, you can contact anytimedoctor.co.uk to get online consultation from doctors who can recommend treatment and prescribe appropriate medications to alleviate your flu symptoms. Additionally, the tips below can help facilitate your recovery at home.
- Isolate and get some rest
There is no point in leaving your house to work or going to school when you have the flu. You can also forget about carrying on with your normal daily activities when you are sick. You won’t be able to function correctly anyway because the flu will make you feel weak and tired. You will also be exposing other people to what you have. Remember that flu is contagious, and anyone you come into contact with can get sick, including other family members. Take this opportunity to get your much-needed rest. Isolate yourself for a while and relax. You can pass the time reading a book, watching your favourite TV series, and taking as many naps as possible to allow your body to heal. Rest and sleep are essential when you have the flu. While you sleep, your body has the opportunity to heal itself and speed up your recovery.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated
One sign that you have the flu is when you have a fever that causes you to sweat. You may also have diarrhoea or vomiting, which can deplete your body of fluids and cause dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to hydrate yourself constantly to replenish these fluids and help your body rid itself of the infection. Drink lots of water, juices, and herbal teas. You may also want to include tea with lemon and honey that can ease your symptoms and help you stay hydrated.
- Set up your humidifier
If your bedroom’s humidity level is low, you may start noticing dryness in your skin and nasal passages. When you use a humidifier, the moisture in your indoor air increases and these symptoms are reduced. In addition, a humidifier reduces nasal congestion and dry cough associated with the flu. When water vapour is added to the air, it makes it much easier to breathe, and you can also sleep better. However, avoid using warm mist and ensure that your humidifier is always clean, as it may result in bacteria and mould growth if left uncleaned.
The best way to speed up flu recovery is to sleep more and keep yourself well-hydrated. If you are at a higher risk of developing flu complications, anti-viral medications can also help facilitate early recovery. Usually, flu symptoms last for about a week or two. However, should it last longer or worsen, it is best to see a doctor for medical advice.