Fighting the Cold or Flu—Once You've Got it

Among the least welcome parts of the fall and winter season is falling ill with the flu. Prevention is the first line of defense, so be sure to get your flu shot and wash your hands frequently. However, if you find yourself sick with the flu, take care of yourself with these tips.

• Stay home and rest. Protect others from catching the flu by staying home. We know this can be hard to do, but the flu is among those illnesses where it is not “okay” to fight through it and go to work anyway. Besides, you need the rest right now to get better fast!

• Keep hydrated. Drink water, juice, electrolyte drinks, herbal teas and broth-based soups all day long. If you keep yourself well-hydrated, you have a much better ability to thin out mucus, so you can cough and spit it out. That will help avoid a lung infection.

• Medicate wisely. OTC medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen can reduce fever and help eliminate achiness. Expectorant cough medicines are another way to help thin mucus into liquid to aid in coughing it out. Your pharmacist can help you select the best medications for you.

• Inhale steam. Fill a large bowl with hot water. Add a teaspoon of menthol rub or a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Drape a towel around your head and breathe in the steam to help open your airways, ease congestion, and make it easier to breathe.

• Run a humidifier. A lack of humidity in the air dries out your mucous membranes and exacerbates flu symptoms. Plug in a humidifier to add moisture and ease congestion and coughing.