Try a hot shower or bath to help to clear your congestion faster. Turn the water as hot as you can stand it and let the bathroom fill with steam with the door closed. If the heat leaves you feeling a little weak or dizzy, stop immediately and do not continue. When you get out of the shower, dry your hair and body thoroughly. Damp hair can cause you to lose body heat, which is not good when you are sick. You can also use steam by filling your bathroom sink with hot water and placing your face over it. Drape a towel over your head to keep the steam in. You can even add a couple of drops of a sinus-clearing essential oil, such as eucalyptus, or peppermint, to maximize the sinus-clearing benefits.
Buy the saline solution used in the Neti pot in health food or drug stores; however, you can make your own saline solution by mixing half a teaspoon of kosher salt into a cup of sterile water. It is essential that the water is sterile or properly distilled — ensure this by boiling the water for five minutes, then allow it to cool to room temperature. Fill the pot with the saline solution and, tilting your head to one side over a sink, insert the spout of the pot into one nostril. Slowly pour the solution in, which should flow in one nostril before coming out the other. When the water stops dripping, blow your nose gently, then repeat the process on the opposite side. [3] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source
Make a gargling solution by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm to hot water. If you don’t like the taste, add a pinch of baking soda to ease the saltiness. You can also try gargling with apple cider vinegar and warm water for a similar effect. Gargle this solution up to four times a day.
Seek medical attention if your fever goes above 101°F (38. 3°C). Seek treatment for an infant under 12 months old with any type of fever. [6] X Research source
To blow your nose, hold a tissue over your nose with both hands. The tissue should be covering your nostrils so that the tissue will catch the mucus when you blow your nose. Then apply gentle pressure on one nostril and blow out through the other one. Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands to minimize the spread of germs.
At least eight hours of sleep per night is ideal, but you will probably need even more when you’re sick. Sleep in and take naps throughout the day. Take time off of work or school so you can get adequate rest.
Dry heat can bother your nose and throat, causing them to dry out even more and making your symptoms worse. Try using a humidifier in the room where you spend most of your time. This will add moisture back into the air, which can ease coughing and congestion. [8] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Ask your doctor for a note to excuse you from work or school for a few days.
Avoid sugary sodas because soda acts as a diuretic, which causes you to urinate more and lose water. Drink ginger ale if you have an upset stomach, but drink more water. To check for dehydration, examine your urine. Very pale yellow or almost clear means you’re well-hydrated. When urine is dark yellow, you may be dehydrated and you should drink more water. [10] X Research source
Difficulty breathing or chest pain Sudden dizziness or confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Seizures Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough Change in mental status in a young child (i. e. more drowsy than usual/not waking up to stimulation like normal)
Side effects of oral decongestants include insomnia, dizziness, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Do not use oral decongestants if you have heart issues or high blood pressure. Use under a doctor’s care if you have diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or prostate issues. [11] X Research source
Nasal sprays can contain oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, or naphazoline as a decongestant. Be sure to use the nasal spray only as often as directed. Using it for more than three to five days can cause you to feel stuffier after discontinuing use. This is called the “rebound effect. “[12] X Research source
Avoid taking NSAIDs if you have acid reflux or peptic ulcer disease. These medications can upset your stomach. If you are already taking an NSAID for other issues such as blood clots or arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking the medicine. Many multi-symptoms medicines contain acetaminophen. Make sure you take the appropriate amount because an overdose can lead to liver toxicity. [13] X Research source Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers, especially if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms. This is linked to a serious liver failure disorder called Reye’s Syndrome.
Side effects of these types of medications can include drowsiness and constipation. The dosages of these medications vary depending on what you buy and how strong it is, so always follow doctor’s and manufacturer’s directions. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source
If you are unsure about what kinds to take, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Also ask about common side effects of expectorants, which can include drowsiness, vomiting, and nausea. [16] X Research source
If you are taking a combination medicine, make sure not to take other medications that may duplicate what is in the multi-symptom. This can lead to overdoses. Examples include Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom, Robitussin Severe Multi-Symptom Cough Cold & Flu Nighttime, DayQuil Cold & Flu, etc.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir Amantadine and Rimantadine (some influenza strains are resistant to these drugs)[19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea Dizziness Stuffy or runny nose Headache Cough
Flu season is October to May, with its peak December to February. [20] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source . Around this time, flu shots, which are vaccines, are available at most pharmacies. Most insurances cover this cost. Get the vaccine few weeks before the season starts. The vaccine takes a good two weeks to fully kick in, by helping you develop antibodies to the flu so you can fight it off; however, getting it early will help you not contract it during the two weeks you are susceptible to the flu. You can also get the flu shot if you’re currently experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. Some people believe that flu symptoms are a contraindication for the flu shot, or a reason you shouldn’t get it, but this is a common misconception. The vaccine is only effective for one flu season, so you must get it every year. It also only covers some strains of the flu. [21] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Also worth noting is that flu vaccine manufacturers in partnership with doctors basically have to guess which flu strains will be prominent that year and make the vaccine to include those strains. Some years they are wrong, and the vaccine is not effective because it didn’t contain the strains that end up being prevalent that season.
You are younger than two or older than 49 You have heart disease You have lung disease or asthma You have kidney disease or diabetes You’ve had previous problems with your immune system You are pregnant You have active respiratory symptoms like running nose, cough, etc.
You are allergic to, or have previously had an allergic to, flu shots or eggs in the past. There is a different flu shot for those with an egg allergy. If you have a moderate to severe illness with a fever. You should wait until you recover before getting the vaccine. You have the rare nerve disorder, Guillain-Barré syndrome, in which your immune system attacks your peripheral nervous system. If you have multiple sclerosis.
Soreness and swelling at the injection site Headaches Fever Nausea Mild flu like symptoms[22] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Also avoid touching surfaces the infected individual touched, which will be contaminated with germs.
Get your hands wet with clean, running water. It can be either warm or cold. Next, turn off the tap and apply soap. Lather the soap into your hands by rubbing them together. Don’t forget the backs of your hands as well as in between your fingers and under your fingernails. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, which is about the length of time it takes to sing the traditional version of “Happy Birthday” twice. Next, turn the faucet back on and rinse off the soap with warm water. Take a clean towel and dry them. You can also air dry them with a hand dryer. [23] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Vitamin C is an immune boosting vitamin. Although there is mixed evidence on its effectiveness to reduce symptoms, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and vitamin C doesn’t hurt. Eat more citrus fruit, such as oranges and grapefruit, as well as cantaloupe, mangoes, papaya, watermelon, broccoli, green and red peppers, and leafy greens. [24] X Research source
Stress also messes with your hormones and may reduce your ability to fight infection. [25] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Researchers don’t exactly know how or why, but there are a few theories about how exercise can help fight different bacterial or viral infections. It is suggested that it flushes out bacteria from the lungs, through urine, and through sweat. It also is suggested that exercising sends antibodies and white blood cells through the body at a quicker speed, detecting illness earlier, and that the rise in body temperature prevents bacterial growth. [26] X Research source
