Recovering from the Flu
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It�s the diagnosis no one ever wants to hear��You have the flu.�
So, what should you do if you suspect you might have the flu and how should you take care of yourself?
At the first onset of symptoms, especially symptoms like fever and body aches that come on quickly (in a few hours time), seek medical attention. Antiviral medications may be available to you within the first 48 hours of your illness and these medications can lessen the severity of flu symptoms and also length of illness.
Treat Your Symptoms
Taking any prescribed medications or over-the-counter medications for symptom relief should be religiously observed. If you live alone, set an alarm on your phone to wake you and keep a writing pad by the bed to let you know which medicines are due when. Thinking with a clear head can be hard when you are sick. If you have help at home, make that person the keeper of the schedule and the medications.
Isolate Yourself
As best you can, isolate yourself from others. Stay home from work or school. Sleep in another room or send your significant other to sleep in another room. Flu is very contagious and is spread when you sneeze or cough which releases tiny droplets into the air, making it very easy to possibly make your loved ones sick.
Rest
Rest, not just sleeping, but also resting and not being active, is one of the best ways to fast track the healing process of most any illness.
Drink Up
You may not feel like it, but drinking lots of fluids is important when you are sick to promote healing and prevent dehydration, especially if you don�t feel well enough to eat. Water or electrolyte enhanced beverages should be free-flowing in your house until you are well.
Clean Up
Once you are well, be sure and clean off all the surfaces around your resting place such as the bedside table, the dinner tray, the television remote and sheets. If you initially started to not feel well at work, it�s also a good idea to clean off the work phone, keyboard or other frequently touched items in your workspace.
Getting the flu is definitely not fun, but by observing the above tips, you�ll be able to re-enter your normal life soon.