There’s nothing worse than having the flu. The flu generally results in a number of symptoms that can cause some real discomfort – and it often lasts for a week or two, thereby effectively putting you out of commission from school or work (especially since it’s quite contagious as well). Some of the symptoms that you’ll no doubt experience include coughing, fevers, headaches, achy muscles and more. If you’ve caught the flu, then the following are a few things that you can do to relieve your symptoms and to get healthy as quickly as possible.

  • Drink plenty of fluids – It can be easy to become dehydrated if you have the flu, especially if you’ve been vomiting or you are also suffering from diarrhea. Water, fruit juice and electrolyte drinks are all good.
  • Avoid caffeine – Don’t drink caffeinated drinks as they are diuretic. So cut out the coffee, the soda and caffeinated teas.
  • Drink hot liquids – Hot drinks that aren’t caffeinated, such as herbal teas, can help to soothe sore throats, especially if you add honey. Soup can also be quite helpful in this respect, especially since the vapors let off by hot soup can help make you feel much better. Chicken soup in particular has been proven to be effective.
  • Get lots of rest – Resting will give your body a break and allow it to focus on fighting off infection. Try not to exert too much energy on physical activities while you have the flu and be sure to get lots of sleep at night to ensure that your immune system can work properly.
  • Amp up the humidity – Moist air can help to ease your nasal congestion as well as your sore throat. If you have a humidifier or a steam vaporizer, turn these on. If you don’t, take a few steamy showers every day and just inhale the steam.
  • Use a warm compress – If you’re experiencing a headache or sinus pain, use a warm cloth on your forehead or nose.
  • Suck on cough drops – Cough drops are an excellent way to help sooth a sore throat throughout the day, especially if you’ve been fighting a cough.
  • Take pain and fever reliving medications – Medications available over-the-counter, such as Advil or Tylenol, can help reduce any achy muscles and fevers. However, if you suffer from asthma, high blood pressure or other chronic conditions, make sure you consult a medical professional first. And never give aspirin to a child with the flu.

Urgent Care Center in Greensboro, NC

If you’ve developed the flu, then these are some of the things that you can do to help reduce some of the symptoms and quicken your recovery. You can also drop in at our MEDIQ Urgent Care facility in Greensboro for professional medical advice concerning both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs that can help reduce particularly severe symptoms. You don’t need to schedule an appointment to make a visit although you may want to consider pre-registering at our website to make future drop ins without an appointment easier.