The only good news about having the flu is that you have some control over how long your symptoms last. We hope the tips below will help you get through flu season quickly and have you back to the activities you enjoy the most.

Stay Home to Rest

When you’re sick with a cold or the flu, the best thing you can do is stay home from work or school and allow your body to rest. This also prevents you from spreading the virus to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should stay home as long as you have symptoms and for at least 24 hours after they pass.

Drink Your Fluids

Water, sports drinks, fruit juices and broth-based soups all help to keep you hydrated so you can better fight the flu or a cold. Having a well-hydrated respiratory system is necessary to prevent a lung infection.

Treat Your Fever

Achiness and a fever are your body’s way of fighting off the flu. You can manage both by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, never give aspirin to children or teenagers since it increases their risk of Reye’s syndrome.

Manage Your Cough

A cold can quickly turn into a hacking cough. To feel better, try taking expectorant to loosen the mucus so you can cough it up to get it out of your lungs.

Sit in a Room Filled with Steam

If the cold or flu has you really stuffed up, turn your shower to the highest setting and sit in the bathroom with the door closed. The steam can help to clear your lungs and nasal passages.

Use a Humidifier

Indoor air is often very dry this time of year. Using a vaporizer or mist humidifier returns moisture to the air and can improve your congestion. Avoid using a warm mist since it can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria.

Keep Throat Lozenges Handy

Frequently sucking on throat lozenges throughout the day adds moisture to the back of your throat and can prevent it from feeling too scratchy. It can also calm down your cough.

Use Saline Nose Drops

Saline nose drops are an easy way to unblock your sinus passages. Place several drops into one nostril at a time and then blow the saline and mucus out.

Ask Your Doctor for an Antiviral

As soon as your first flu symptoms appear, contact your doctor to request an antiviral medication. This can reduce both the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Don’t Forget PrimeCare Urgent Care is Here for You

Sometimes you just feel miserable with the flu or a cold no matter what you do. When you need help, we provide walk-in medical care seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with low wait times for your convenience.