Now that the weather is turning colder you know that flu season is just around the corner. There's no doubt that influenza can be a debilitating and uncomfortable experience that can cause you to lose days of productivity.
Unlike a cold or mild viral infection where you may have sore throat, congestion, and a cough, true influenza generally gives you almost unbearable muscle aches and fatigue. Although there is no known cure for flu symptoms, there are measures you can take that may help shorten the course of your illness and make you feel better in the process:
Call Your Doctor at the First Sign of a Flu-like Illness
There is an antiviral medication called Tamiflu which can shorten the course of flu symptoms if given within the first 48 hours. It can also be used to prevent development of flu if you've been exposed to someone who has it. Call your doctor immediately if you've been around someone who had the flu and you're now developing fly symptoms. Plan to Rest
Influenza is extremely contagious. If you're experiencing flu symptoms, call in sick to avoid spreading your illness to your coworkers. With true influenza, you're usually far too achy to work anyway and rest is almost imperative. Reduce Your Sore Throat Pain
Place sore throat lozenges by your bed and suck on them frequently to relieve your inflamed throat. You can also gargle with warm salt water too soothe throat pain. Take Anti-inflammatory Medications for Muscle Aches
The muscle aches associated with the flu can be extreme. Take an anti-inflammatory medication every four to six hours to treat muscle aches and discomfort. Be sure to check with your doctor before doing this if you have a history of stomach ulcers or any other medical problem that might preclude the use of anti-inflammatory medications. Drink Liquids on an Hourly Basis
Bodily fluids can be lost quickly when you have a high fever which is not uncommon with influenza. For this reason, it's important that you drink fluids ever hour to replace those that are lost through sweating. Avoid milk products especially if you have an upset stomach or diarrhea. Warm liquids may be more effective than cold liquids since the warmth can help to reduce nasal congestion.Elevate Your Head With Pillows
By elevating your head with several pillows, you can help relieve clogged nasal passages so you can get some rest. Use Sports Creams for Achy Muscles
If muscle aches persist despite use of anti-inflammatory medications, try rubbing a sports cream such as Ben-Gay onto your achy muscles. This can provide some temporary relief for sore muscles. Plan to Get a Flu Vaccine Next Year
An influenza vaccine is the best preventative treatment you give yourself. While it won't protect against all strains of flu, it's quite effective against the more common ones. Be sure to ask your doctor if you're a good candidate for a flu vaccine to protect yourself next flu season.
Having flu symptoms is never fun, but, hopefully, by taking a few simple measures you can make the illness more bearable and maybe even shorten the course of this menacing and debilitating infection.
