Here are some tips for protecting yourself against the flu and lessening the symptoms if you do get it.
- Keep your distance from people who have the flu. And stay home if you're sick. You're contagious even before you show symptoms and for 3-5 days after the symptoms appear.
- Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Wash your hands often
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, eat healthful foods, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, reduce stress.
Treating the symptoms
- Get lots of rest and stay away from other people
- Drink at least six cups of clear fluids daily
- Take over-the-counter aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever, headache and muscle aches (Do not give aspirin to children and teens under age 20). Saline nose drops or nasal decongestants are also useful, such as Otrivine or Afrin.
- Raise the humidity in your home (use a humidifier or sit in the bathroom with hot shower running)
You can even purchase menthol crystals and dissolve a small amount in warm water and inhale to relieve congestion.
- Sleep with your head elevated.
- Gargle with salt water (1/4 teaspoon salt in eight ounces of warm water) or suck on hard candy to relieve a sore throat.
- Boost up on your vitamin C 1000 mg/day is sufficient to keep your immune system in tip-top shape, to fight off any unwanted creatures.
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