6 Tips to Care for Yourself When Nursing a Flu
The flu is an irritating health problem.
And…
It’s always on the rise with more people visiting the hospital for this problem. 20% of the American population catch the flu each year. Its symptoms leave the victim feeling uncomfortable, hence the need for self-care.
Flu has no cure, but can be eased through various tips. You can easily relieve yourself of flu symptoms without visiting a doctor for treatment.
Here’re a few tips to help you care for yourself when nursing a bad flu:
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy diet and regularly check your condition
- Take hot baths daily
- Get enough rest
- Drink lots of water and other healthy fluids
- Seek treatment for your fever and aches
6 Self-Care Tips against the Flu Virus
- Exercise
Exercise is an essential activity for the body, not only when you’re feeling unwell, but also when healthy. People suffering from flu usually experience headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms due to respiratory and sinus symptoms.
Eventually, the whole body gets affected in one way or the other.
White blood cells are necessary for preventing the flu. When you exercise, your immune system is enhanced. An improved and activated immune system increases the rate at which your body heals.
Engaging in active exercises before falling sick activates the immune system in advance. This makes it hard for the flu and other diseases to attack your body extensively.
There’s a link between the immune system, the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the bodily systems.
When you exercise, hormones flow freely through the endocrine system into other body parts. The immune system also actively releases white blood cells to fight the virus and promote quick recovery from the flu.
- Eat a healthy diet and regularly monitor your condition
You are what you eat.
Your body needs vitamins and other nutrients to support the production of white blood cells. Develop the habit of eating a balanced diet for the well-being of your health; it boosts your immunity to fight the flu.
Conducting regular check-ups is good for you. You get to know how your condition is and the best time to seek medical attention. Your hormones and blood tests should be regular and in the right state.
Anytime you find out that your condition is deteriorating, visit a doctor. This ensures that your condition doesn’t deteriorate a level where your immune system is compromised.
- Take hot baths daily
Shower with hot water.
Bathing with hot water helps to relieve you of pain and body aches. Hot water is a natural way of easing pain, compared to using over-the-counter drugs.
Bathing in hot water increases blood circulation and relaxes tensed muscles. This, in turn, reduces fatigue and soreness.
You can also sit in a steamy bathroom because the steam from hot water minimizes nasal congestion. Congestion blocks air passages in the nose, leaving you feeling the tension in your entire head.
Hot steam enters the nasal cavity to shrink the swollen membrane. Hence, it loosens congestion.
You’ll need a tankless water heater to heat liquid to warm temperatures. You’ll find the heater handy when battling a bad flu because you’ll be able to take hot showers as you deem fit.
- Get enough rest
Don’t engage yourself in activities that consume your energy for too long. The body needs to rest. Give your body enough time to rest to efficiently treat the flu and other diseases.
The healing process is more effective when you’re asleep and resting. When having the flu, don’t strain yourself.
- Drink lots of water and other healthy fluids
Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your respiratory system and the body at large. Some fluids to consider include:
- Water
- Juice
- Energy drinks
- Soups
- Fruit juice, etc.
When the respiratory system is hydrated, the thick, dry mucus lining it is thinned, making it easier to cough it up quickly. This is helpful because the longer the mucus takes in your respiratory system, the higher your risk of developing other infections.
Your blood level and quality also improves. Nutrients from fruit drinks also build up the white blood cells and other hormones. Therefore, your body’s ability to fight the flu is enhanced.
- Seek treatment for your fever and aches
Fever is a consequence of the body fighting the flu. Look for appropriate over-the-counter drugs to treat your fever and body aches. Your doctor or pharmacist can prescribe the following drugs to help with pain and fever relief:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Panadol
You can also use an expectorant to liquefy mucus, making it easier to cough them out.
Check the medicine before you use it and don’t buy any drug without consulting a certified medical practitioner.
Also, look out for the side effects of a drug before using it to avoid bodily reactions. Make sure the medication and dosage given is appropriate for your age.
The drugs administered should help boost your immunity, not fight it.