What You Put in Your Body Affects Your Health Greatly

The flu is a serious respiratory illness that wreak havoc on your physical and emotional wellness. If left untreated and symptoms are not managed, the flu can also lead to death. If a cold does not improve after a few days, visit your doctor immediately. Medications are helpful for fighting off the flu virus, but managing your symptoms will be necessary for relief. If you are currently suffering with the flu, here are a few simple tips to help ease your discomfort.

Fever Management

You may have a slight fever during a cold, but a fever of over 100 degrees with other symptoms is most likely due to the influenza virus. This fever occurs when your body's immune system tries to fight off infections or viruses, so you may have the higher temperature for a few days.

The body's higher temperature can discomfort that includes aches, sweating, and even chills at time, but you can find relief. Consider taking an over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce your fever while easing your discomfort. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

Respiratory Management

Respiratory issues are common with the flu, as well. You may struggle breathing in and out due to nasal and chest congestion. Also, you may suffer with a dry cough that lasts a few days.

Consider purchasing an over the counter expectorant or have your doctor prescribe you this effective cough medicine. Expectorants turn mucous into a liquid, allowing you to cough it up and out of your body.

To release mucous and congestion, use steam. Close the door to your bathroom and fill up the sink with hot water. Add a teaspoon of menthol rub to the water. Stand in the bathroom while the water and menthol create a decongesting steam. Breathe in and out over the period of time, reducing mucous and congestion in your airways.

Prevent Dehydration

Your body's immune system will be working hard to help you heal when you have the flu. During this fight, you may sweat, have chills, cough, and even vomit, reducing the amount of fluid and food your body is receiving. This can increase symptoms, making you feel worse, but also prolonging your recovery from the flu. Therefore, it is important to stay hydrated.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids while you are sick. You may not feel hunger, but you should still force yourself to drink water, fruit juices, and sport's drinks. Broth based soups are also beneficial, since they aid in both hydration and nutrition. The hot soups also work through mucous, helping your body break it apart and remove it from the body.

If you have diarrhea or are vomiting a great deal while you have the flu, staying hydrated will be even more important. Even if you feel nauseous, you should take small sips of water, juice, or broth to keep you hydrated.

Muscle Ache Management

During the fight, your immune system releases anti-virus cells and proteins through the body to aid in healing. This fight causes you to have a fever, but you may also notice soreness and aches in your muscles. It is important to remain calm, since muscle aches are normal with the flu. Thankfully, you can reduce this discomfort.

Apply a heating pad to the sore muscles and leave in place for a few minutes. The warmth will feel good on tense muscles and joints, but the heat will also reduce inflammation and help you heal. If you do not have a heating pad, soak a towel in hot water and wring out the excess liquid. Apply the hot towel to your muscles for a few minutes of relief.

The flu can be an overwhelming illness, but you can ease your discomfort. With these tips, you can ease the common symptoms of the influenza virus. Learn more, contact services like Rural Health Services Consortium Inc.