It’s that time of year again: as summer transitions into autumn, the weather is changing and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. With that season coming up, the likelihood of coming down with something increases with each passing day. Unfortunately, that “something” might end up being a cold, flu, or one of the many other respiratory illnesses that tend to rear their ugly heads this time of year. If you’re unlucky enough to catch one (and let’s face it: many of us probably will at some point this year), here are a few things to do to help.
Eat Some Chicken Soup
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is, but there’s just something about a ball of heart, delicious chicken soup that soothes the mind, body, and soul. Okay, enough poetry. In reality, chicken soup actually does have some health benefits when you’re sick. According to research from the University of Nebraska, chicken soup can actually slow down cells in a way that can reduce inflammation (making your sore throat less sore) and helping you to stay hydrated. On top of that, it’s delicious, so why not grab a bowl of your favorite chicken soup and feel
Stay Hydrated and Use Cough Drops
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is another crucial method for treating cold/flu symptoms and recovering. Your body runs a fever and you begin to sweat, you’ll lose fluids. Other respiratory symptoms will also cause some fluid loss as well. That’s why drinking water and hot beverages can help you recover. Doing so keeps plenty of fluid running through your body so anything you do lose while experiencing symptoms will be replenished on its own. Staying hydrated is just good practice. Using cough drops can also help attenuate your symptoms. As you suck on a cough drop, the lozenge releases medicine into the back of your throat that can help loosen some of the blockage in your throat caused by your symptoms.
Get a Flu Shot
Flu shots are one of the most essential things to get during this time of year. Flu shots protect you from several different variants of the illness and have a high efficacy rating. The shot is essential because flu viruses evolve fast and can generate severe illness or complications. Remember you can still get the flu even if you’ve got the flu shot, but it usually reduces symptoms and makes it less severe than if you didn’t have a shot in the first place. Remember that the flu shot does not guard against Covid 19 or the common cold, it only covers the flu. Getting a full shot is also fairly easy, as you can do it at many standard pharmacies and even some grocery store pharmacists.
See a Virtual Doctor
Modern medicine has many life-saving and convenience making benefits. When you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is travel around the city going to pharmacies and doctors offices for appointments. Luckily, many insurances (and outside organizations) offer you the ability to see a doctor or more. When you see a doctor online, you have a quick phone call or videoconference with them to discuss your symptoms. After speaking with you and consulting on your concerns, the doctor will make an official diagnosis and prescribe treatments and/or medicines. Treating an ailment like a cold or flu is not only convenient, but just as effective as going to win urgent care for a regular doctor’s office for an in person appointment. They also typically cost less, as telemedicine is one of the less-expensive alternatives to some of the more egregious overpriced medical practices in the United States. An online doctor can even give you a doctor’s excuse for work or school in case you need a few days off to recover. That way, you’re covered for any sick leave for extended absences you may need to take from work for recovery time.
Get Some Rest
Fighting an illness is tough on your body. Fevers, chills, and aches and pains all converge to create the epitome of discomfort any time you’re sick. One time-tested method of recovering is to get plenty of rest and a good night’s sleep. Sleep is excellent for helping to boost your immune system so it can be triumphant in its battle against its microscopic foes as you recover from an illness. Sleep is your body’s way of refreshing and recharging itself. While you rest, your body has a chance to fight the illness and run through some immune system processes that help to kickstart recovery. It isn’t a cure-all, but it does help. So make sure you’re following the doctor’s orders and getting that precious bed rest when you’re feeling ill. You’ll be glad you did. After all, who wouldn’t benefit from a good night’s sleep once in a while?