Cold and Flu Part 3 - Treatment

Wow, it’s a new year and things are going great!  However, before we go further, the final post on the Cold and Flu series is slightly overdue and it’s time to wrap it up.  So without any further ado, here it is!

The final post in the Cold and Flu series is about treating your illness.  Right now, there are sniffles and sneezes all around, and there are a few things you can do in order to kick the cold or flu to the curb and feel fresh and charged up.  There are two things your body definitely needs when you come down with a cold or flu:  rest and water.  When you are sick, your body becomes dehydrated as the immune system fights off your illness, and you need to keep hydrated as best as possible.  Drinking lots of water will definitely help you out here.  Rest is equally as important.  Sleeping helps your body recharge its battery (so to speak), as it is very draining and exhausting battling a cold or flu.  Try not to overexert yourself and keep daily activities to a minimum.  No going out with friends or hitting the gym hard, your body needs to be relaxed and resting as much as possible.

Other methods for fighting these illnesses (from the CDC) are listed below:

• No smoking, alcohol or caffeine – these all reduce the effectiveness of your immune system as it fights off the illness.
• Take Vitamin C – though, do not overdo it, only take the recommended amount as it will help your body combat those pesky viruses.
• Take Vitamin D3 – when you are sick, your Vitamin D levels get lowered, so replenish them with a vitamin tablet or by getting some sun.
•  Eat spicy food – spicy food helps clear the sinuses and can help you breathe a little.
•  Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands – germs spread very easily by touching things with your hands, so be sure to keep them clean.  Also, don’t touch your hands to your mouth or eyes, as those are easy ways for the cold or flu viruses to spread.
• Eliminate stress – when you are stressed, your body becomes stressed, making it more difficult to fight off any sickness.  Relax and rest often.
• Gargle some salt water – 1 tsp of salt in a warm glass of water; gargle this and your sore throat will get some relief.

·         Take hot showers – the steam and heat help clear the pathways and drain liquids from your sinuses.

Hopefully no one of get sick, but if you do, this series should help.  Leave your feedback and let us know how you fight the cold or flu effectively!