Tis the season to be jolly – unless, of course, you get the flu! The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It’s more prevalent during fall and winter because people spend more time indoors, allowing the virus to spread quickly. According to the CDC, flu activity in the U.S. peaks between December and February but can last as late as May.
5 Tips to Help Prevent the Flu
When it comes to the flu, prevention is key. The first step in protecting yourself is getting the flu shot. Here are five tips to help you avoid catching the flu this season:
- Wash your hands – One of the best ways to keep cold and flu viruses away is washing your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds – especially before eating.
- Stay hydrated – Hydration is crucial for health in general. Our bodies are about 60% water, so staying hydrated is necessary for all functions – including your immune system.
- Eat a nutritious diet – Make sure you get the protein, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to fight off germs and viruses by eating lean meats and veggies.
- Get enough sleep – Your body slows down when it’s tired, making it harder to fight the flu. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
- De-stress – Stress throws off your immune system, so do what you can to de-stress. The CDC recommends staying active, listening to music, and taking slow, deep breaths.
Read More: Holiday Travel Guide: 5 Tips to Stay Healthy When Traveling During the Holiday Season
Tips for Managing Flu Symptoms
If you still catch the flu, here are some tips to help minimize your symptoms as you recover:
- Stay home and rest
- Treat fever and aches with over-the-counter pain medicine
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Manage a cough with expectorants or suppressants
- Run a humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to ease congestion
- Consider IV therapy which delivers vitamins and minerals directly into your bloodstream to boost your immune system, replace electrolytes, reduce fatigue, and help you feel better faster.
What to Stock in Your Flu Survival Kit
Over-the-Counter Medications:
Over-the-counter medications can help you feel better and ease the most common flu symptoms of headache, fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and a stuffy or runny nose.
- Pain relievers – Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) for aches and fever
- Decongestants – help ease congestion and sniffles
- Cough expectorant (guaifenesin) – helps clear secretions from the lungs when you have a “wet” cough
- Cough suppressant (dextromethorphan/DM) – helps block the cough reflex when you have a severe “dry” cough
- Cough drops and lozenges – help ease a sore throat
Fluids:
The key is to avoid dehydration. Fluids support your immune system function, thin mucus, and lessen congestion. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages because they increase fluid loss and can lead to dehydration.
- Water
- Electrolyte drinks like coconut water, mineral water, and low-sugar sports drinks
- Herbal tea
- 100% orange juice
- Pedialyte
Foods:
If you feel like eating, avoid greasy, fried foods that are hard to digest and can cause nausea. It’s also better to avoid processed foods that are high in sodium and sugars. Focus on food that is easy to digest.
- Chicken soup or broth
- Bananas
- Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C
- Toast – add some avocado, egg, or honey
- Popsicles made from 100% fruit
When and Where to Seek Medical Care
Most healthy adults who have the flu or other mild respiratory illness will recover at home without needing a medical care provider. Because these are viral illnesses, antibiotics aren’t used to treat them. Your medical care provider may prescribe an antiviral medication that can shorten the duration and help relieve your symptoms, but this must be started within 48 hours of symptom onset – and it’s often only prescribed to those who experience severe symptoms or who are at high risk for developing complications from the flu.
Good Life Family Medicine Can Help
Seek medical advice if your flu symptoms are unusually severe, such as mild difficulty breathing, feeling faint, or coughing that produces a lot of green or yellow mucus.
Contact Good Life Family Medicine if you get the flu and are at an increased risk, including those who:
- have chronic medical conditions
- are over 65 years of age
- have a weakened immune system
- are pregnant or have recently given birth
Our experienced medical staff in College Station is trained to diagnose and treat a variety of minor illnesses, including the flu. Book an appointment online or call for a same-day appointment!
