Each year, a large number of people contract the respiratory illness known as the flu. The virus can spread to anyone and cause symptoms that range from minor to severe.
The single best way to reduce the risk of seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu. Antiviral medications for the flu are another option for both treating and preventing the illness.
Continue reading to discover how to recover from the flu quickly.
Flu Symptoms
As opposed to a cold, the flu is different. Cold symptoms are usually milder than flu, and people with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people with the flu. The symptoms of the flu are more severe and frequently start off suddenly. Some common symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever or chills (older adults may not have a fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)
How to Stop the Flu: Prevention
Avoid Large Crowds
Even though avoiding crowded areas can be challenging sometimes, it’s imperative during the COVID-19 pandemic. On average, you can lower your risk of contracting an infection by limiting your contact with others while the flu season is in effect.
In small places, the flu can spread very quickly. This includes workplaces, nursing homes, and facilities for assisted living.
If you have a weaker immune system, wear a face mask whenever you’re in a public place during flu season.
Depending on where you live, wearing a face covering during the COVID-19 pandemic is strongly advised and occasionally required.
By avoiding sick individuals, you can further safeguard yourself. Those who are sneezing, coughing, or displaying other signs of a cold or virus should be kept at a distance from you.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Establish the practice of frequently washing your hands because the flu virus can survive on hard surfaces. Before cooking and eating, it is especially crucial to do this. After using the restroom, you should always wash your hands.
If you don’t have access to soap or water, keep a bottle of hand sanitizing gel on you at all times and use it to clean your hands.
You should do this after coming into contact with commonly touched surfaces, including:
- Doorknobs
- Light switches
- Counters
Regular handwashing is recommended, but you should also try to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Flu viruses can spread through the air, but they can also get inside you if your hands come into contact with your face while they are infected.
Rub your hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds while washing your hands in warm, soapy water. Hands should be rinsed and dried with a fresh towel.
Sneeze or cough into a tissue or into your elbow instead of touching your face. As soon as possible, discard tissues.
Strengthen Your Immune System
Another way to safeguard yourself against the flu is by boosting your immune system. Your body can ward off infections if your immune system is robust. In addition, a robust immune system lessens the severity of symptoms in the event that you do get sick.
Sleep for 7 to 9 hours every night in order to strengthen your immunity. Maintain a routine of three times per week, at least 30 minutes of physical activity.
Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet. Don’t consume too much sugar, processed food, or fat. Instead, consume a wide range of fruits and vegetables, which are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, to support good health.
If you want to support your immune system, talk to your doctor about taking a multivitamin.
Get An Annual Flu Vaccination
Make sure you get a flu vaccination each year. You will need to renew your vaccination each year because the main influenza virus circulating at any given time changes.
Remember that the vaccine doesn’t start working for about 2 weeks. In the event that you contract the flu after receiving a shot, the vaccine may lessen the severity and length of your illness.
You should get your flu shot early in the season, ideally by late October, due to the high risk of complications in people over 65. Consult your doctor before receiving a high-dose or adjuvant vaccine (Fluzone or FLUAD). Both are created especially for those who are 65 years of age and older.
A high-dose vaccine contains roughly four times as much antigen as a standard flu shot. An immune system stimulator is present in adjuvant vaccines. These shots have the capacity to develop a stronger immune response to immunization.
Ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccinations along with getting your yearly flu shot. These guard against bloodstream infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, and others.
Clean and Disinfect Surfaces
It’s possible that the current COVID-19 pandemic has already improved your cleaning and hygiene habits.
If someone in your home has the flu, you can reduce your risk of contracting it by keeping surfaces in your house clean and disinfected. Influenza viruses can be eliminated by this.
Doorknobs, phones, toys, light switches, and other high-touch surfaces should all be cleaned with a disinfectant cleaner several times per day. Additionally, the sick person needs to confine themselves to a particular area of the house.
If you’re caring for this individual, wear a surgical mask and gloves when attending to them, and wash your hands afterward.
Visit the Doctor If Flu Symptoms Arise
If you experience any flu-like symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor right away because the flu can be dangerous for seniors. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Runny or stuffed-up nose
Some of these symptoms are shared by respiratory infections like COVID-19. It’s important to self-isolate, wear a mask, and practice good hygiene while waiting for your test results.
The flu has no known cure. But if you are infected and visit the doctor right away, you might be able to get a prescription for Tamiflu or another antiviral drug.
A flu antiviral may shorten the illness’ duration and lessen the severity of symptoms if taken within the first 48 hours of symptoms. As a result, there’s a lower risk of complications like pneumonia.
Practice Other Good Health Habits
When someone is ill, especially, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and/or school. Get plenty of rest, engage in physical activity, control your stress, hydrate well, and consume wholesome foods.
Summary
The flu virus can cause life-threatening complications in elderly and more vulnerable people. Take precautions to safeguard yourself and lower your risk of illness, especially this year.
Consult your doctor about receiving a flu shot, and take preventative measures to boost your defenses and stay away from those who are sick.
FAQs
What Foods to Avoid If You Have the Flu?
Between elevated temperatures and increased sweating, dehydration is something to be cautious of when you have a fever. Greasy foods. Hard to digest grains. sweet foods or beverages.
Is Orange Juice Good for A Flu?
Orange juice, especially with the pulp, is packed with vitamin C and folic acid, which may give your immune system a boost and help you feel better faster.
