Cold and Flu Season: What To Do at the First Sign of Symptoms?

As we enter the upcoming winter season, we prepare for the return of the seasonal flu. Every year, the risks continue to grow, and with the inclusion of COVID-19, people are taking extra precautions to protect close ones and themselves.

There’s a good chance that you might contract or confront flu symptoms this holiday season. The question is: what can you do to prevent the risk of getting a cold? And if you do get sick, what should you do to minimize the virus’s impact on your body?

This article will help you learn all the remedies and preventive measures to avoid getting the flu this year or get over it quickly.

What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?

Depending on your immune system, the effect of the symptoms range from mild to severe. These symptoms pass within a week with little complications afterward.

The following symptoms include:

• A growing fever
• Body aches and chills throughout
• Coughing
• A sore throat
• Congestion (runny or stuffy nose)
• Fatigue

How Can You Reduce the Flu Symptoms?

If you get the flu, there are ways to reduce the effects of the symptoms. Some methods are more effective than others and vary with each person.

Here are some tips to consider the next time you want to get through the flu as quickly as possible.

Rest

The best remedy to overcome the flu is by taking it easy and avoiding body exhaustion. You will only prolong your sickness and recovery time if you try to resume a daily routine.

Allowing your body to sleep and rest provides enough time to fight against the flu without external complications.

Warmth

The flu thrives off people who remain cold and stay within freezing temperatures. It’s necessary to keep yourself warm this season with heated clothes and a working heater.

Drink plenty of warm fluids or broth to prevent dehydration and maintain heat. Hot water bottles and heat packs can also help soothe aching muscles ad reheat the body if it gets too cold.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Many pharmacies and drugstores sell effective medication to make the symptoms tolerable throughout the sickness’ duration.

If your symptoms are severe headaches and fevers, visit your local store and shop for Tylenol, Advil, or other brands containing acetaminophen or NSAIDs. These drugs are good for pain relief and reducing body aches.

Nasal spray and decongestants can clear runny noses, and cough drops are cheap and efficient in suppressing a nagging cough.

How Can You Prevent Flu Symptoms?

Instead of allowing yourself to brute force the flu season, you can prepare your body and house to stay safe this winter.

Here are some preventive methods to help you avoid a cold this year.

Handwashing

You can contract the flu virus through hard surfaces, doorknobs, and light switches, so regularly washing your hands is an effective way to prevent further spreading.

You can also carry a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer to cleanse your palms whenever necessary, such as prepping a meal or using the restroom.

Avoid Crowds

The pandemic has made this method frequent and still applies during the flu season. Limiting close contact with people and bystanders reduces the risk of catching a cold. 

Confine spaces like schools and workplaces can rapidly spread the flu virus, so staying at home or maintaining distance and isolation is ideal for waiting out the flu season.

If you have visiting friends or family members with the flu, prepare to create boundaries and mask up your nose and mouth. The virus is airborne and can travel through coughs and sneezes.

Flu Vaccination

Stay updated on the annual flu shot and make your appointment before the season begins. It takes approximately two weeks until the vaccine takes effect and can limit the severity and duration of the illness.

You can get a high-dose vaccine with quadruple the antigens or an adjuvant vaccine that stimulates and strengthens your immune system.

Immune System

Before the flu arrives, protect yourself by strengthening your immune system, which includes getting regular sleep, exercising, and following a nutritious meal plan that promotes good health.

Conclusion

Recognizing the first signs of the flu symptom will let you know that the flu season is active. If you maintain heat, keep your distance, and take the appropriate medication, you can stay safe this winter.



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