This is the time of year that Cold and flu season is upon us. Germs are being passed around all the time. Kids are bringing them home from school, adults are bringing them home from work and running errands. No matter how hard you try to keep them away, germs will still spread.
Many people will begin experiencing symptoms like sore throats, runny noses, coughs, fevers or muscle aches. While a trip to the doctor is important and can help you recover quickly, there are a number of supplemental home care strategies that can help you further recuperate.
The following are some remedies to try:
- Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms, such as a headache, muscle ache and fever.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to relieve a headache, cough or congestion.
- Place a warm washcloth over your eyes to ease sinus pressure and congestion.
While home remedies can help relieve cold and flu symptoms, they aren’t useful for everyone. Children and the elderly should see a doctor if they begin to feel sick to avoid more serious health complications. Both age ranges are at high risk of a common cold becoming something more accelerated.
Specifically, individuals should seek immediate care if they experience any of the following:
- Chest pain when breathing
- A sore throat lasting more than 48 hours
- Yellow or green nasal discharge that is accompanied by severe facial pain or a relentless headache
- Persistent pain in your abdomen
Take extra care this season and be sure to wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when you are out to prevent the spread of germs as much as possible.
Be sure to get plenty of rest also so that you keep your immune system boosted and working at its highest capacity.