Stay hydrated

Vuyolwethu Fundam

Fluids are vital when you’re ill. Here’s what you should drink and what you must avoid

WHEN grappling with a common cold or flu infection, dehydration can be inevitable.

While your body is trying to fight the flu or a cold, it loses more fluid than it takes in.

Symptoms of dehydration may include: feeling thirsty more than usual, dark yellow and strongsmelling pee, feeling dizzy, feeling tired, a dry mouth, lips, and eyes.

To avoid dehydration, here are some tips on the types of fluids you should drink when fighting off the flu, courtesy of WebMD, a health-care website:

Decaf tea

The heat can soothe sore throats, stuffy noses, chest congestion and upset stomachs.

If you choose one with a spice such as ginger, your immune system will benefit from its medicinal qualities, too.

For an extra benefit, try adding a small dollop of honey to your cup: it can calm a cough and help you sleep.

Water with lemon

Hot or cold, it keeps you hydrated and loosens up stuffiness and congestion. Lemon is also high in vitamin C, which may make a cold slightly shorter if you get it regularly.

Soup

Clear soups and broths give you calories when you may not have much of an appetite.

Some research shows they may help relieve inflammation in the body, which can relieve some of your symptoms. The warmth also helps break up mucus.

Ice chips or ice pops

True, these aren’t technically a beverage, but they have the same purpose: keeping you hydrated.

DRINKS TO STAY AWAY FROM WHEN YOU ARE UNWELL

Sports drinks

They can help if you’re very dehydrated, but they don’t do much to make you feel better. Plus, they have a lot of sugar.

Fruit juices

Juice may seem like a good idea, especially for kids, but like sports drinks, most have loads of added sugar. Citrus-based ones such as orange juice can also aggravate sore throats.

If all your child wants to juice, try adding a splash or two to a cup of water instead of a full glassful of juice.

Alcohol

It dehydrates you and can make some symptoms worse – like nausea, headaches and body aches. Alcohol can also make your body less able to handle infections. So save that hot toddy for when you’re feeling better.

For your daily water intake, MayoClinic.org recommends women drink 11.5 cups of water per day; men 15.5 cups per day.

The World Health Organization also recommends drinking plenty of water and rest for those who are infected.

What not to do when you’re fighting flu

Five things that can make your symptoms worse and how to avoid them

COFFEE will dehydrate you. | MAX D PHOTOGRAPHY unsplash

Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi

FLU season, which typically falls between April and Septemberr, is likely to coincide or overlap with the anticipated third wave of Covid-19.

“The flu shot is not effective against Covid-19, but will help protect against the flu which can weaken the immune system and lower your defense against Covid-19 infection. It is especially important for those who have a co-morbidity or chronic condition, such as asthma,” says Clicks pharmacist Waheed Abdurahman. “It is also an important conservation measure for reducing the burden on healthcare resources during the pandemic.”

To date, Covid-19 has resulted in over 50 000 deaths in South Africa. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, seasonal flu kills between 100 000 and 600 000 people globally, with around 11 500 deaths in South Africa alone. About 50% of those deaths are among the elderly, and about 30% in HIV-infected people.

In 2020, however, South Africa reported historically low rates of flu infection. Scientists believe this was a result of lockdown restrictions, as well as social distancing and hygiene measures – all of which significantly slowed the usual infection pattern.

Even with preventive measures, you can still get the flu. Overcoming it takes time as your body rids itself of the virus. It usually takes anywhere between three to seven days to recover. You may still continue to feel tired and have a cough for up to two weeks.

There are many things you could do during this time that could worsen the symptoms.

Abdurahman gives us advice on five things that can worsen your cold or flu symptoms and how to avoid them

1. Do not continue with exercise or intensive work. This will worsen your illness and can even weaken the heart. Rest as much as possible during your flu.

2. Drink adequate fluids to stay hydrated. If you become dehydrated this can create problems for organs such as your kidneys.

3. Avoid sugary and alcoholic beverages, as well as caffeinated drinks. These can dehydrate you.

4. Do not use medicine unless it has been recommended to you by your pharmacist or doctor. There may be contra-indications that need to be evaluated for you. Your healthcare professional will do that.

5. Do not stop any chronic medication while you are ill, especially not blood pressure or diabetes medicine. However, you should check with your pharmacist for any possible drug interactions with your cold or flu medicines.

Influenza can present very similarly to Covid-19. Typical flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and, sometimes, vomiting and diarrhea. If you have a continued high fever or are at high risk of flu-related complications, see a doctor.