When you Think You Might Have the Flu, Here’s What to Do (and What Not to Do)
Some of the first symptoms of the flu include a tickling sensation in the throat, generalized pains, and an unexpectedly high temperature. About 20% of the U.S. population gets the flu each year. Recognizing the signs early can allow you to begin treatment sooner rather than later. Seeking medical assistance promptly is particularly important for infants, toddlers, the elderly, expectant mothers, and anyone with respiratory or immune system disorders.
These suggestions will aid in your recovery and in halting the spread of this extremely dangerous illness in your community.
Understanding Influenza Symptoms
At first, the symptoms of the flu are similar to those of a common cold. Although many of the same signs and symptoms are present in both the common cold and the flu, the latter are often milder and appear more slowly than those associated with the former.
- Weakness is a common early indication of influenza.
- severe and rapid temperature rise (often more than or equal to 38 degrees Celsius).
- symptoms such as a sore throat, a cough, a fever, and muscular or body pains
- a stuffy nose
Keep in mind that although a temperature is typical in the onset of influenza, it is not indicative of the severity of the illness.
How to Proceed
Keep these things in mind if you start to feel sick with the flu:
- It is important to regularly wash your hands to stop the transmission of the infection. Use soap and water and scrub for approximately 20 seconds before rinsing.
- Use your arm instead of your hands to cover your coughs and sneezes, or use a disposable tissue. When infected people cough or sneeze, the virus may quickly spread to others.
- Improve your resistance to illness by eating well. Small, frequent meals consisting mostly of fruits and vegetables can help give you the energy you need to fight off the illness, even if you find it difficult to eat while you’re unwell.
- Keep your body hydrated by consuming enough of fluids, such as water, tea, and low-sugar electrolyte drinks. Stay off the booze and the coffee for now.
- Get some fresh fruit and vegetables to munch on and some tissues, as well as any over-the-counter pain medicines, decongestants, or cough suppressants you may need. However, if you’re already sick, it’s probably best to have a close friend or family member pick up your errands.
- Rest and relax at home. The flu may be treated most effectively by resting as much as possible.
Mistakes to avoid
If you start to feel sick with flu-like symptoms, don’t:
- Don’t bother going to class or the office. You may spread the illness up to seven days after your symptoms have begun, and even up to two days before they have.
- You shouldn’t embrace or shake hands with strangers. If you don’t want to contribute to the spread of the virus, don’t eat or drink in public.
- You shouldn’t force yourself to do anything. In the case of the flu, your symptoms will grow worse before they improve.
- If you don’t let your body rest in the days immediately after the onset of symptoms, it might set you back.
- Avoid sugary and processed meals since they provide little if any nutritional benefits.
- Make an effort to eat regularly throughout the day. It’s understandable to reduce your food intake when you have the flu, but your body still needs fuel to battle the infection. You can’t go wrong with things like soup, yogurt, fruits, veggies, oats, and broth.
- Don’t go somewhere crowded since the virus is very infectious.
- Never blindly trust a herbal remedy that hasn’t been tested. Be cautious if you decide to attempt a natural cure. The Food and Drug Administration does not inspect herb and supplement factories, distribution centers, or retail stores for quality control or safety. If you don’t know where to get them, ask your doctor for a suggestion.
- Those that smoke should refrain from doing so. For obvious reasons, smoking while suffering from the flu is not recommended.
Reasons to Visit the Doctor
When you have the flu, you may assume it’s best to remain in bed and relax. However, if you fit into any of the following categories, it is recommended that you schedule a medical appointment.
- It’s been determined that you pose a significant threat.
- Severe flu complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, may be fatal for some individuals. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has issued recommendations for high-risk groups, which include:
- elderly adults and young children under the age of 18 using aspirin or other salicylate-based drugs
- children under the age of 5, particularly those under the age of 2 who have a parent with a long-term illness (such asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
- those who have weakened immune systems
- women of childbearing age and up to two weeks after giving birth
- Individuals residing in assisted living communities, nursing homes, and other forms of long-term care
- Original Peoples (American Indians and Alaska Natives)
Those who fall into any of these groups should consult a doctor at the first indication of flu symptoms. Antiviral medicine is an option that your doctor may give you. When administered quickly after the onset of symptoms, these drugs have the most effect.
Warning: Severe Symptoms Here
Signs of an emergency for an adult include:
- Having trouble catching one’s breath
- the onset of acute nausea and/or vomiting chest discomfort
- The onset of dizziness
Baby and kid flu symptoms include:
- difficulty breathing
- discoloration of the skin to a bluish hue Irritation
- a high body temperature accompanied by a rash and an incapacity to consume any liquids.
- Incapable of Crying
- Illness symptoms improve, then worsen.
There is often a one- to two-week window of recovery after contracting the flu. Some people may feel better, but then their condition will suddenly worsen and their temperature will surge again.
A complication of the flu, such as pneumonia, otitis media, or bronchitis, might cause this. Please make an immediate appointment with a medical professional.
