Dr Chris Smith: People not 'topping up' immunity to flu
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Contact with the flu virus can cause a sudden fever, an aching body, and a headache. While the flu jab is great at preventing hospitalisation and death from the contagious bug, symptoms can still be unpleasant. If you are currently feeling under the weather, health experts from Orchard Hospital, California, have shared three top tips to speed up the recovery process. Firstly, anyone with the flu needs to make sure they are getting enough rest.
This is because the body rehabilitates itself during sleep, helping to fight off the infection.
However, the ability to rest may not come so easily when you’re feeling too hot, there’s too much nasal congestion, and your throat is really sore.
This is why it can be helpful to keep the room humid by using a humidifier.
Moreover, make sure the pillow your resting on is propped up while trying to fall asleep.
READ MORE: How to sleep: The tea that reduces sleeplessness by more than 40% – study
“Sleeping in a slightly elevated position will drain postnasal drip build-up and help you breathe more easily and rest better,” the experts explained.
Secondly, in order to help get over the flu more quickly, it will help to “start medicating”.
“The moment you start feeling aches and fevers, it’s time to start medicating your body,” the experts suggested.
“Taking care of these issues right away will minimise their impact and decrease the severity of your flu.
“For example, ibuprofen can reduce swelling in your body, which helps to avoid severe fevers and aches.”
Over-the-counter cough medicines can also help to thin mucus to aid with breathing.
Thirdly, the experts at Orchard Hospital recommend eating “healthy foods that fight the flu”.
Flu-fighting foods include:
- Garlic-flavoured meals
- Chicken soup
- Strawberries
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Yoghurt
- Oatmeal.
“These foods will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to fight off further infections,” the experts stated.
“Just as importantly, they can fight current flu symptoms and make it easier for you to recover.”
Other care methods include: getting fresh air, walking, and even doing yoga.
Moving about, even for a little bit, helps to boost blood flow and increase the body’s capacity for healing.
The flu season
Age UK highlighted that flu season runs from October to March, and symptoms can include:
- A fever
- A dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Feeling sick and being sick
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling very tired.
“To help you get better you should drink plenty of water, rest as much as possible and try to keep warm,” Age UK added.
“Taking ibuprofen and paracetamol can help ease some of the symptoms.”
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