Flu Season Survival Guide: Navigating Symptoms and Staying Healthy

Flu season is slowly approaching and can be expected to peak between December and February. Contrary to popular belief, the cold weather doesn't cause the influenza virus, instead, it is just more likely to spread due to the close proximity of people in certain spaces during colder months. Let's just say, spatial awareness tends to slip people's minds during these times. Luckily, this means that there are many precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Before getting into wellness tips to both avoid and manage the flu, let's look at the symptoms. Flu symptoms are abrupt and usually include headaches, coughs, chest discomfort, fatigue, fever, and body aches and chills. Cold symptoms are similar, however, less intense, and typically don't include fever and chills. If you start to feel sick, it's best to avoid contact with others (again, spatial awareness) and seek medical advice from a professional.

Home Remedies for Flu and Cold Symptoms

Home remedies are extremely beneficial to help manage mild to moderate flu and cold symptoms. Their natural and simple ingredients will help soothe discomfort as well as be kind to your digestive system - there's nothing worse than a toilet emergency! It is important to use these remedies with caution and consult a healthcare professional if your condition worsens or have underlying health concerns.

Stay Hydrated

When you are running a temperature, your body loses fluids through sweating. Other more severe symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea result in dehydration. Staying hydrated is crucial, so be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat fruit. These fluids will also help thin mucus in your respiratory passages as well as relieve sore throats. Water, ginger and lemon tea, orange juice, and sports drinks are great options to remain hydrated.

Steam Inhalation

Using a sinus inhaler that can be found at your local drugstore will give you immediate relief if you are experiencing congestion or sore throat. Inhaling steam adds moisture to the airways which helps soothe dry and irritated tissue. It also helps loosen mucus in the nasal and chest areas, allowing you to expel it quicker when blowing your nose.

Rest

Give your body rest by lying down or sleeping so that it can focus on conserving energy. Adequate rest also supports your immune system's ability to help combat viruses. If you're feeling achy and light-headed, lying down will allow you to feel more comfortable. Trying to squeeze in work or other activities may worsen the illness. If you are working while sick you may need a brain scan as well.

Eat Bland Food

With more intense symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, healthy foods will settle in your stomach better. Heavily seasoned foods may exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort and leave you feeling nauseous. Examples of bland foods include plain rice, crackers, toast, bananas, and soup or broth. Foods that are more susceptible to irritating your stomach include milk, caffeine, eggs, and fried foods.

Take Vitamin C and Zinc

Both zinc and vitamin C do wonders for the immune system. While they won't cure the flu, they may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. Vitamin C comes in many forms, so drinking orange juice, adding lemon to your water, or eating other citrus fruits will not only give you a dose of this beneficial ingredient but also help hydrate you. 

Home Remedies to Prevent Getting Sick with the Flu or Cold

In addition to the above, there are preventative measures that can be taken to prevent us from catching the flu. Not only will the following ward off viruses from entering our body but also help from spreading it to other people. It's important to remember that some demographics such as babies and older adults are more vulnerable to viruses.

Wash Hands Consistently

Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public spaces. Viruses enter our bodies through our noses, mouth, and even eyes - which we are always touching. Public spaces like trains, elevators, and restrooms have us touching objects that hundreds of other people touch a day. Washing your hands will reduce the chances of germs getting into the nose and mouth.

Be Aware of Respiratory Etiquette

One of the first things we are taught when we are young is to cover our mouth and nose when sneezing, coughing, and yawning. It's best to do this with a tissue or into your elbow. Coughing and sneezing release tiny droplets that can travel far and end up on someone else's face. Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick and if you are sick, try your best to remain quarantined and out of public spaces.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Establishing a workout routine and eating a balanced diet will help fight off infection and boost your immunity. Exercise enhances circulation, reduces inflammation, enhances respiratory health, and reduces stress. There are many benefits to regularly exercising that apply to more than just your physical health.

Clean and Disinfect Your Home

Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home to kill any lingering germs. These surfaces include countertops, light switches, and doorknobs. Germs can live for days so cleaning with soap and water or other disinfectants is critical. Don't forget laundering shared blankets, bed sheets, and stuffed animals.

Get a Flu Shot

It is proven that flu shots reduce the number of people infected with the virus. While it's not 100% effective, it's still a great precaution to take to help keep yourself and others safe. As always, seek the guidance of your medical professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay Warm with Broadway Suites

On the bright side, flu season also means cozy sweaters and hats as well as lots of Netflix. Having a personal working space for you and your business will allow you to remain comfortable, operate efficiently, and practice spatial awareness during a season where everyone is scurrying indoors. Broadway Suites provides a flexible, cost-efficient, (and clean) option with well-equipped amenities for professionals to run their business.