MANAGE COLD & FLU

manage cold & flu source: www.vicks.co.za

If you get the flu, you’ll likely experience a high fever, sore throat, cough, and lots of aches and pains. You might feel like you don’t need to see a doctor, and opt to treat yourself with extra rest and fluids. But in certain cases, seeing a doctor will help you get better faster and prevent major complications. We have a few simple tips to manage the common cold or flu this winter.

SORE THROAT

Humidify the Air Indoors

Humidifiers, increase moisture in the air, which helps provide overall comfort and can help clear secretions, soothe airways, and reduce coughs. Moist air also can assist in minimizing the feeling of having a scratchy, dry throat and aids cilia movement, which helps the immune system fight infection, especially during cold and flu season.

RUNNY NOSE/SNEEZING

There’s No Need to Over-clean

When kids are sniffling due to cold or allergy symptoms, it’s smart to keep common areas clean. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in the United States found that rhinoviruses (cold germs) can only survive a maximum of three hours on inanimate objects and human skin. So, while cleaning often is important, over-cleaning might not help you avoid getting a cold or flu.

HEAD CONGESTION

Spice It Up to Unclog Your Nose

Bring on the cayenne! Eating spicy foods can make your nose run. A runny nose

Elevate Your Head to Ease Congestion

Slightly elevate your head by using additional pillows to ease head congestion while you sleep. The increased angle will help drain your head and relieve sinus pressure.

Drink Water to Relieve Sinus Pressure

Keep a bottle of water with you wherever you go and take sips throughout the day. The extra hydration helps keep your nose moist and might help you breathe and rest easier.

Learn to Love Shower Steam

Sometimes the best way to care for a stuffed-up head for you or your child is to simply run a hot bath or shower and let the steam fill the room.

FEVER

Fight Fever with Fluids

When you’re fighting a fever, try drinking at least 2 to 3 additional ounces of fluid every hour. Water or non-carbonated sports drinks work best. And remember, even if you’re not sweating, you still can get dehydrated, which might weaken your immune system and lead to a prolonged fever. Moisture from continuous fluids also might help you with sore throat relief. It’s important to stay hydrated all of the time, but especially during cold and flu season.

Exercise with a Cold, but Not the Flu

The National Institutes of Health in the United States has said that, for the most part, it’s OK to exercise even if you have a cold. The simple act of sweating helps expel harmful germs. Cold medicines might help keep your coughing and other cold symptoms at bay while you’re working out, but don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you have a fever.

ACHES AND PAINS

Use the Right Pain Reliever There are two primary over-the-counter pain relievers on the market today— nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, relieve pain by reducing inflammation, making them well-suited for muscle aches, while acetaminophen blocks pain signals, which is ideal for general headaches and fever.

GENERAL COLD CARE

Expect Multiple Cold and Flu Symptoms

It is estimated that 80% of cold and flu sufferers experience more than one cold symptom. The most bothersome symptoms are runny/blocked nose, cough, aches, and pain.

Eat for Relief

Warm, flavorful food can help relieve cough and sore throat symptoms by stimulating salivation and secretions to help soothe and lubricate the throat.

Put Your Trust in Chicken Soup

When you have a cold or flu, a study conducted by the American College of Chest Physicians® suggests that chicken soup can help you feel better.

Decrease Stress

Studies show that elevated levels of stress reduce the number of T cells in your body. You need T cells to keep your immune system strong. So if you’re feeling under the weather, take it easy. Relax and breathe. Doctor’s orders!

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