What To Do When You Have The Flu

inter is usually cold and flu season but it seems like during the spring a bunch of my friends get "colds" ... these are often simply alergies masquerading as a cold or the flu but either way, it sucks to get sick. Unfortunately, too many men ignore the early signs and this leads to it getting worse. Others such as one of my friends who came back from a weekend getaway with some of his friends has made multiple shopping trips to get groceries and medicine ... exposing others to whatever he might have picked up. Let's face it, us guys can be pretty dumb when it comes to being sick so I thought this might be a great opportunity to share some advice to help recover more quickly while also helping to prevent spreading things to those folks around you!

Know The Signs Of Cold vs Flu vs Allergies

Often times it can be very confusing to tell the difference between these three different forms of illness. This is because all three of them share similar symptoms including achyness, sinus issues, fatigue, coughing, and sometimes chills as well as lack of appetite. While each of them might have a combination of those symptoms to different degrees, the outcome and treatments for each of those is very different. 

How To Tell What Illness You Have

1. Evaluate the Onset: Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days, flu symptoms start abruptly, and allergy symptoms can start suddenly after exposure to an allergen.
2. Check for Fever: A fever is more common with the flu. Colds rarely cause a fever, and allergies don’t cause a fever.
3. Consider the Time of Year: Colds and flu are more common in the winter, but the flu can occur anytime. Allergies can occur year-round but are especially prevalent during specific seasons (like spring or fall).
4. Observe Symptoms: Itchy eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion are common in allergies. The flu often involves a high fever, severe body aches, and exhaustion. Colds might have overlapping symptoms with both but are usually milder.
5. Duration and Severity: Flu symptoms are generally more severe and can last longer than cold symptoms. Allergy symptoms can persist as long as the person is exposed to the allergen.
6. Response to Medication: Over-the-counter cold and flu medications may relieve symptoms of those illnesses but won't affect allergies much. Allergy symptoms may respond well to antihistamines.

Once you figure out what you probably have, here's what you need to do to start recovery ...

Cold

• Cause: Viral infection affecting the nose and throat.
• Treatment:
  • Rest: Helps your body direct its energy to fighting off the infection.
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and alleviate congestion.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies: Decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers can relieve symptoms. However, they do not shorten the duration of a cold.
  • Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can help ease congestion and coughing.

Flu

• Cause: Influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.
• Treatment:
  • Antiviral drugs: Prescribed by a healthcare provider, these can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1-2 days if taken soon after symptoms appear.
  • Rest: Essential for helping your body fight the virus.
  • Fluids: Important for preventing dehydration.
  • OTC remedies: Can be used to relieve symptoms, but always consult with a healthcare provider before combining these with antiviral medication.

Allergies

• Cause: Immune system reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods.
• Treatment:
  • Avoid allergens: The best treatment is to avoid what triggers your allergic reactions.
  • Antihistamines: Help relieve sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.
  • Decongestants: Can provide temporary relief from nasal stuffiness.
  • Nasal sprays: Some are designed to prevent or relieve allergy symptoms. Some can be used long term, while others (like decongestant sprays) should only be used for a few days.
  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy): Might be recommended for severe allergies. They gradually reduce your immune system's reaction to specific allergens.

General Advice

• Consult with a healthcare provider if you're not sure what you have or how to treat it, especially if symptoms are severe or don't improve with OTC medications.
• Vaccination: Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older to prevent the flu. There’s no vaccine for the common cold, but practicing good hygiene can help prevent it. Allergy shots can reduce sensitivity to allergens.
• Monitor symptoms: If symptoms worsen or if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, fever that won’t go down, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

Remember, treatments can alleviate symptoms but might not necessarily shorten the duration of a cold or the flu. Allergy treatments can be effective in controlling symptoms long-term, especially when the allergens are identified and avoided. While I'm able to share my advice here from personal experience, you should always consult your doctor or other medical professional to get the most accurate treatment advice.

With that being said, now let's take a look at what you need to do to recover as quickly as possible!

Listen to Your Body

The first step in self-care, especially when you're sick, is to listen to your body. Your body is the best indicator of what it needs, whether it's more sleep, hydration, or simply a day off from your routine. Ignoring these signals can lead to prolonged illness or even worsening your condition. So, if you're feeling fatigued, don't push through another set of bench presses at the gym. Instead, give your body the rest it craves. Rest is not a sign of weakness but a fundamental aspect of healing.

Use Delivery Services Instead Of Exposing Others To Your Illness

This part drives me nuts! There's nothing that I hate more about going to Walmart or Target than to see or hear someone coughing or walking around in their pajamas, clearly under the weather, shopping for soup and crackers or to pick up some medicine. I'm compassionate, I get it ... being sick is no fun and sometimes you don't have a friend or partner to pick stuff up for you. However, there are delivery services such as Walmart Plus that can get your order in less than 2 hours and the same is true for pickup orders too. If you need things even faster, then there are services like DoorDash to help. 

Please ... I implore you ... don't go shopping when you are sick. The folks working there don't want to be exposed to your germs and neither do I!

Don't Forget About Hydration and Proper Nutrition

When you're sick, your body requires extra fluids and nutrients to fight off the infection. Staying hydrated is key; water, herbal teas, and broths can be your best friends during this time. They not only help in keeping you hydrated but also have soothing effects on sore throat and congested chest. 

Nutrition-wise, opting for vitamin-rich foods like fruits and vegetables can provide your body with the necessary ammunition to combat the illness. It's also the perfect time to avoid heavy, processed foods that can strain your body more. This approach is a cornerstone of men's self-care when they're battling an illness, emphasizing the importance of giving the body what it needs to recover efficiently.

Focus On Personal Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene plays a pivotal role in helping you feel better and preventing the spread of germs to those around you. Regularly washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and keeping your living space clean can significantly improve your recovery process. It's easy to let things slide when you're feeling low, but keeping up with these simple hygiene practices can provide a sense of normalcy and control over your situation. Plus, it helps in making your environment more conducive to healing, ensuring that you're not just stewing in your germs.

Know When To Seek Medical Treatment

When home remedies and over-the-counter medications aren't enough, it might be time to get some qualified medical advice. Recognizing when to see a doctor is a critical aspect of self-care. Consulting a healthcare provider can prevent complications if your symptoms worsen or won't leave. Today, accessing healthcare has become easier with the option to seek medical help, including flu treatment online. This convenience ensures you can get professional advice without the need to leave your home, which is especially beneficial when you're not feeling well. 

These healthcare professionals can even prescribe medication if necessary, setting you on the path to recovery much quicker. Remember, neglecting your health can lead to more severe issues down the line, so it's always better to err on the side of caution and consult a doctor when in doubt.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

Rest is good, and this is a great excuse to curl up in a blanket and binge-watch some movies or TV shows, but proper sleep is essential for a quick recovery. Unfortunately, symptoms that include nasal issues and congestion can make sleeping more difficult - especially for those of us with sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders. However, this is ultimately the key to getting better ... let your body repair itself.

Stay Mentally Active

While physical rest is important when you're sick, keeping your mind engaged can also aid in your recovery. Reading, solving puzzles, or watching documentaries can keep you mentally stimulated and prevent the boredom that often accompanies extended rest periods. However, it's important to balance this activity with rest; listen to your body and don't overdo it. Engaging in light mental activities can boost your mood and help you feel better during your recovery period.

Gradually Resume Physical Activity

Once you start feeling better, gradually resuming physical activity can aid in your recovery. However, it's crucial to ease back into your routine rather than jumping straight into intensive workouts. You don't want to start heavy lifting after being sick. Instead, start with light exercises like walking or gently stretching to get your body moving again. 

These activities can help in rebuilding your strength and stamina without overexerting yourself. Listening to your body is key during this phase; if you feel any discomfort or fatigue, it's a sign to slow down. Gradually increasing your activity level can help ensure a full return to health without setbacks.