Cold and flu season is a tricky time. Everyone seems to experience the bug at least once or twice, and these viruses get passed around like sharing truly is caring. Because of this, just when you think you’ve freed yourself, it’s come back to you – sort of like a boomerang, just with added sniffles and tissues.
No one enjoys this time of year, of course. You work to dodge it as best you can. Maybe you’ve been taking multi-vitamins for the last few months. Or maybe you’ve started washing your hands more often. Whatever the tactics you’ve used, you’ve probably learned that it’s almost impossible to prevent catching a cold or flu.
But when you do catch it, is there a way to make your recovery faster? Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix in the ideal sense. Some people have an easier time with mild symptoms, while others are bedridden. There are differences in types of flu, though, and the importance of understanding flu A and flu B has never been more important.
Thankfully, in this post, there are three clear steps to follow to ensure you overcome the common cold as swiftly as you can.
Act Early
The earlier you act, the shorter your ordeal – or that’s what many people believe. It might not always work out this way, but taking action as soon as symptoms appear is encouraged. The first 24 to 48 hours is a critical window for intervention.
There are three key ways to act early – rest, hydrate, and manage symptoms. The first step – rest – is crucial. Your immune system actually works hardest when you’re resting. This means you should take a day or two off of work if you can. Pushing through could cause delayed recovery.
Staying hydrated is also vital. Increase your fluid intake, no matter if it’s broth, herbal teas, or water. This will thin mucus and prevent dehydration. It is best to aim for at least eight glasses a day.
Finally, use targeted symptom relief – otherwise known as over-the-counter medication. Painkillers and fever reducers, like paracetamol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen, will help to ease body aches and lower fever. Additionally, decongestants – whether nasal sprays or tablets – should be used for no more than five to seven days.
Combine Methods, Not Medicines
There is a warning if you are suffering from a cold or flu, though. Methods – rest, hydration, and others like steaming – should be combined. However, medications must not. Using more than one medication at a time could lead to extreme complications – including an accidental overdose, liver damage, or harmful drug interactions.
Why does this happen? Well, many OTC medicines contain similar ingredients, especially painkillers. Multi-symptom products like DayQuil and Lemsip, for instance, contain acetaminophen, which is also in Tylenol and other painkillers. Doubling up unknowingly poses serious risks.
It is essential that you read labels carefully when using medicines. Check for acetaminophen or ibuprofen in every product you take. If you’re unsure, then it is best to consult a pharmacist.
Know When to Seek Help
Having a cold or flu sounds simple until it isn’t. These viruses do have the potential of complications – they could lead to bronchitis or pneumonia. This is much more likely if your symptoms worsen after the five-day mark, if they persist beyond ten to 14 days, or if they include high fever, severe chest pain, or breathing difficulties. If this is the case, then you should contact your doctor.
There are key differences to keep an eye on. A cold could be quite different from the flu, after all. You might find a cold improves after seven to ten days. The flu, on the other hand, will feel significantly worse than a cold – with exhaustion and serious body aches.
To conclude, you might feel like you’ve been in for weeks and weeks, even if it’s just the common cold. Time passes slowly when you’re unwell – or so it feels. Fortunately, if you follow the steps outlined above, you will be on the road to recovery in no time.
