The flu or influenza is a common viral infection that typically strikes during autumn and winter, bringing symptoms like chills, fever, body aches, exhaustion, and discomfort. Although the flu frequently goes away on its own, it can leave you feeling weak and discomfited. Fortunately, there are many methods to speed up your healing process. With sound advice from medical experts and reliable sources, you can recover quickly from the flu and return to your usual self soon. Here are some expert tips to help you recover fast and with less suffering.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
Flu symptoms such as sweating, fever, and congestion can result in dehydration, so drinking plenty of liquids is essential to facilitate healing. Water, broths, herbal teas, and energy drinks are all good choices for keeping yourself hydrated, which will help clear the mucus in your sinuses and chest.
Health experts at Healthline highlight that hydration is not just about quenching the thirst but also about helping your body eliminate toxins. Moreover, drinking plenty of fluids assists in managing the proper moisture levels in your respiratory system, which is vital when you’re suffering from sore throats and nasal congestion.
Maintain an Immune-Boosting Diet
Even though you may not have a proper appetite when you’re down with the flu, feeding your body the correct food is vital to help your immune system battle the virus. Foods rich in nutrients can deliver the vitamins and minerals required for healing.
Dr. Bendetowicz recommends eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, which can support your immune system. He also suggests including broth and chicken soup in your diet, as they provide nutrition, help you stay hydrated, and reduce congestion. Garlic is also a natural antiviral food that increases the taste of your food while boosting your immune system.
Rest Well
You may have heard it many times, but there’s a reason why rest is frequently the first piece of advice regarding recovering from the flu. Your body has to put all of its energy toward battling the infection, and resting gives your immune system the time and space it needs to function well. Avoid forcing yourself back into your regular routine too soon, as doing so may delay recovery or result in a relapse. However desperate you are to return to work, remember that sleep and rest are your best recovery allies!
According to Dr. Daniel Bendetowicz, an expert physician in treating flu, sleep helps support your body’s immune system and lowers inflammation. Try to get at least 7-9 hours of good sleep, and don’t hesitate to nap during the day if you’re too exhausted. Your body will truly appreciate it!
Fill the Air with Moisture
Winter’s dry, heated air can worsen flu symptoms, particularly if you have a cough or sore throat. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help fight this. According to professionals, this easy trick helps calm irritated nasal passages, making it easier to breathe and lessening the intensity of coughs.
Humidified air also keeps mucus membranes moist, which encourages faster recovery of the nasal lining and throat. If you don’t have a humidifier at home, keeping a bowl of water next to a heater or placing a wet cloth in your room can also deliver a similar result.
Stay Away from Cigarette Smoke
Cigarette smoke, even secondhand smoke, can affect your respiratory system and aggravate flu symptoms such as coughing and congestion. If you’re a heavy smoker, consider reducing or quitting for a short time until you heal from the flu. Stay away from smoke completely to give your lungs the best opportunity to recover. Secondhand smoke can also mess up your recovery, so you must stay in a smoke-free atmosphere as much as possible.
Drink Warm Fluids to Soothe Your Throat
A sore throat is a prevalent sign of flu, and it makes swallowing hard. Drinking warm fluids can help ease throat aches and give relief to the throat. Warm water with lemon, herbal tea with honey, or broth can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. According to Dr. Bendetowicz, gargling with warm salt water further lessens swelling and clears your throat from mucus.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Since the flu is highly contagious, keeping your surroundings clean is paramount to avoid reinfection or virus transmission to others. Regularly sanitize frequently touched items such as switches, doorknobs, and remote controls. Wash your hands often and use tissues when you cough or sneeze to avoid infecting your surroundings. A clean atmosphere can help you heal quickly and keep the others around you safe.
Take Over-the-Counter Medicines When Required
Over-the-counter drugs can help ease flu symptoms, although they won’t reduce the length of the infection. Painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can lower body aches, fever, and sore throat pain, while decongestants and antihistamines help clear up nasal congestion. If you get the flu during the first two days of having symptoms, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu can help lessen the severity of your infection and speed up the healing process.
Dr. Bendetowicz suggests antiviral medicines, mainly for high-risk groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. If administered early on, these drugs can significantly impact how fast you recover and speed up your healing process. Also, don’t forget to read the instructions on the label and refer to your doctor if you have any queries.
Don’t Be in a Hurry to Get Back to School or Work
You might want to return to your daily routine once your symptoms start to fade, but it’s advisable to wait until you’re no longer infectious. Specialists recommend staying at home for at least one day after your fever goes down. Returning to school or work too early can delay your recovery or spread the infection to others, so make sure you’re feeling 100% before returning to your regular activities!
Engage in Mild Physical Activity
While rest is necessary, mild physical movement, when ready, can help increase circulation and lessen weakness. Stretching or walking in the house can make your body feel less lethargic, but don’t return to your usual exercise routine until you recover fully. Light exercise can be beneficial, but overdoing it too early can delay your recovery.
Conclusion
While the flu may hinder your daily life, taking the correct measures can help hasten your healing process. Concentrate on rest, hydration, and nourishing yourself with immune-boosting foods to aid your body’s recovery. If required, use over-the-counter drugs and antiviral medicines to relieve symptoms. Remember to keep moisture in the air and avoid smoke to make your healing process comfortable. Always pay attention to your body, and give yourself the time you need to heal completely before getting back to school or work.
With these expert guidelines, you’ll feel better and restart your routine very soon!
