How to Overcome Influenza

To contact us Click HERE
Every year, as fall rolls around and the temperature drops, people get run down, and flu season starts once again. The following tips will help you get over that flu bug faster, so you can get on with your life.

Steps

1. Understand that the single best way to overcome the flu is to get the vaccine, preferably a few weeks before the season starts. The vaccine takes a good two weeks to fully kick in and leaves you susceptible to the flu during that two week period.
2. Remember that the first and most important way to fight off the flu is to get plenty of sleep. It sounds obvious, but getting a full 8 hours or more every night gives your body more time to fight. At night, when your body doesn't have to serve your needs, it serves its own much more effectively. If you find you're having trouble sleeping due to congestion, take a decongestant/antihistamine. Not only will it clear your sinuses, antihistamines also make you drowsy.
3. Keep in mind, if you are lucky enough to get a prescription antiviral medication, take it. Several over-the-counter antiviral medications are also available, but please use them as directed. Overdosing with them will not make them work faster! If you're on a prescription, always make sure to finish it, even if you don't feel sick anymore! If you don't completely destroy the infection, it will likely rise again, but this time it will be resistant to the medicine.
4. Take a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is the most important vitamin with regards to your immune system. It can be found in a variety of doses, but most people get plenty with one 500mg tablet once or twice per day. It is extremely difficult to overdose on Vitamin C as it is a water soluble vitamin, but be advised that what your body doesn't use, it discards, and it burns on the way out.
5. Drink plenty of fluids. Another obvious one, but fluids help your body do what it has to do. Water is the first best thing for keeping yourself hydrated, but if you grow tired of it, orange juice or sports drinks also work. (Orange juice will supplement your vitamin C intake and sports drinks can help restore your electrolytic balance.) Sodas are NOT fluids. The first ingredient may be carbonated water, but on the whole a soda acts as a diuretic, actually causing you to lose water. Also, green tea and even tea in general is a good alternative to soda pop.
6. Remember: fevers are your friends. Even though people react negatively to a fever, it is one of your body's natural defenses against illness. The fever helps to kill the invaders. Keep yourself warm though, as fevers tend to make us always feel colder then usual. You shouldn't ever break a fever UNLESS it reaches a point so high that it threatens the rest of your body. If your fever ever reaches 103 or more, it's time for action. Taking ibuprofen can help to reduce a fever, but if drastic measures are needed, soak in a tub of tepid water. (Cold water will likely put your body into shock.)
7. Blow your nose. Even though you may be tempted to keep yourself on decongestants and antihistamines all day, don't. The mucus in your nose is actually quite adept at trapping foreign viruses. Just don't sniff it back up! That only reintroduces the virus to your system.
8. Remember that if all goes well, the cold will be gone in a matter of a few days.

Warnings

• Certain people (usually those with an allergic reaction to chicken), will experience an allergy to the vaccine due to the way it is cultured. Please consult your physician before receiving your vaccine.
• Do NOT overdose on any vitamins, medicines, or even water. This may cause undue strain on your kidneys and can lead to other problems.
• Note: The writer of this article is NOT a practicing physician. Please consult your doctor if at all possible.

Things You'll Need

• Decongestants and antihistamines. (Preferably bundled in the same pill)
• Vitamin C supplements (500mg)
• Fluids (Water, Orange Juice, and Gatorade work best)
• Tissues (lots of 'em)