When Influenza Strikes: 5 Do’s and Dont’s

Consider the following do’s and don’ts if you want to recover fast from Influenza. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Coral Springs FL, Parkland FL, Tamarac FL, Margate FL, North Lauderdale FL, Coconut Creek FL.

Influenza, often referred to as the flu, is a serious upper respiratory disease that may cause complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. If you have been stricken with the flu, there are several measures you should take, as well as a few things to avoid. To help you recover faster, and avoid complications, consider the following do’s and don’ts.

1. DO Stay Home and Rest (and Practice Good Hygiene Habits)

Because influenza is highly contagious, you should avoid close contact with others while you are sick. Staying home and getting bed rest is an important measure and step in the recovery process. Rather than going to work with the flu, where you may infect others, take time off to regain your strength and help your body fight off the infection.

Even while you’re resting at home, it is important to keep washing your hands, especially after coughing or sneezing. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or into your sleeve to contain flu germs and avoid making others in your household ill.

2. DON’T Become Dehydrated

If you are experiencing a fever with the flu, chances are you may be perspiring. It is not uncommon to become dehydrated during times of illness. To help your body recover faster and ward off the possibility of dehydration, be sure you are taking in adequate fluids. Water or hydration drinks should be consumed and clear broths and juices are also fine if you can tolerate them.

3. DO Seek Medical Care If You Have Preexisting Conditions

If you have health conditions such as heart disease, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, or asthma, see a doctor for advice and treatment. Visiting your local urgent care facility is a good idea because walk-ins are accepted without the need for an appointment.

Urgent care walk-in service also has flexible hours typically seven days a week. Additionally, in many cases, urgent care services are less costly than that of a hospital emergency room visit.

Urgent care centers are staffed with physicians and nurse practitioners who can provide a good quality of health care. Your urgent care center may also offer lab testing and x-rays as needed. If your doctor feels an anti-viral medication may help, he or she may give you a prescription.

4. DON’T Smoke Cigarettes

Influenza commonly produces a cough and chest congestion. Smoking cigarettes when you are sick may worsen your cough or make it more likely for a secondary infection to set in. According to the experts, smoking cigarettes may make it more difficult for your body to recover and fight off the viral infection. If you have ever needed a reason to quit smoking, battling influenza is a significant reason.

5. DO Treat Your Inflamed Throat With a Salt Water Gargle

A sore and painful throat is often an accompanying symptom of influenza. If your throat is scratchy or you find it difficult to swallow, try gargling with a solution of salt water. A salt water rinse may help soothe your throat and ease the inflammation. In addition, thickened mucus that settles in the back of your throat may become easier to dislodge by gargling.

To make your salt water rinse, simply dissolve a teaspoon or so in a cup or glass of warm water. Gargle the solution for several seconds before spitting it out. Do not swallow the salt water.

As a final consideration, if you have a fever and sore throat for more than a couple of days, see a doctor as soon as possible. Sore throat and fever may indicate something more serious requiring further treatment. Avoid the inconvenience of scheduling a doctor’s appointment by visiting your walk-in urgent care.