Influenza, also known as the flu, can incubate in your body for up to three days. When it hits, be prepared with these simple steps.
- Influenza, also known as the flu, can incubate in your body for up to three days. When it hits, be prepared with these simple steps.
- See your doctor: There are effective prescription drugs that can treat a flu if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
- Sleep as much as you need to; let your body be your guide.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water’at least eight glasses a day. If you don’t feel like having plain water, add freshly squeezed lemon juice to water or drink diluted fruit juice.
- If you are having nausea and/or vomiting, avoid solid foods until the vomiting stops and you are able to hold down clear fluids.
- Start off with chicken or vegetable broth and dry crackers once you feel like eating. These are both easy to digest.
- Drink tea or herbal tea with honey. It is very soothing to a sore throat.
- Take ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen for fever, aches and pains if you are an adult. Give children acetaminophen or ibuprofen, not aspirin.
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer if the air is dry. It will help break up mucus.
- Choose an appropriate over-the-counter cough syrup based on your symptoms. Keep in mind that multiple-ingredient medications may contain ingredients that counteract each other.