Feeling unwell is never a pleasant experience, and it can be hard to shake off a cold or flu once it has taken hold. If you’re feeling under the weather and want to know how to feel better faster, you’re in the right place.
This article explores some of the best tips and tricks for managing cold and flu symptoms and getting back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Whether you’re an everyday person or an individual with a busy schedule, these tips help you feel better, get back to your routine, and create a healthier lifestyle.
Focus On The Basics: Rest, Hydration and Nutrition
When it comes to fighting off a cold or flu, you can do a few basic things to help your body recover faster. Below are the key factors to take into consideration.
The most important thing to do when you want to feel better is to allow yourself to rest and take time out. Your body needs time to recover, so ensure you get plenty of rest. This means taking time off work if necessary and avoiding strenuous activity until you feel better.
Staying hydrated is vital when fighting a nasty flu! Drinking fluids is essential when you’re sick; it helps your body flush out toxins and stay hydrated. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and other hydrating drinks like herbal tea, sports drinks, or broths.
You are what you eat – You’ll feel well if you eat well. A balanced diet can help your body fight off illness and recover faster. Focus on getting plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary or processed foods, which can weaken your immune system and make it harder to recover.
Relieving Common Symptoms: Tips for a Faster Recovery
In addition to the basics, some other tips and tricks can help relieve common cold and flu symptoms and speed up your recovery. These include:
Gargling with salt water: If you have a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the irritation and reduce inflammation.
Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, and gargle for 15-30 seconds before spitting it out.
Using a humidifier: Dry air can worsen your condition and your body’s state, especially if you have a cough or congestion.
A humidifier can help add moisture to the air and relieve these symptoms. Keep the humidifier clean, as bacteria and mold can grow in the water.
Taking over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever, relieve aches and pains, and make sleeping easier.
Cold and flu medications like decongestants and cough suppressants can also help relieve symptoms, but read the label carefully and follow the dosage instructions.
Getting plenty of Vitamin C: Vitamin C can help boost your immune system and shorten the time you feel ill and sick.
Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, and dark leafy greens.
When Is The Right Time to Seek Medical Attention
Feeling ill can often be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing when to seek professional help is often challenging and daunting.
While most of these sick feelings and symptoms will resolve on their own with time and rest, there are certain situations where you may need to seek medical attention.
The first key indicator is that you have a consistently high fever. If your fever is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit or lasts longer than 3-4 days, it may be a sign of a bacterial infection, and you should see a doctor. This could point to something more serious, and you might need specific medication to get over the symptoms and feelings.
If you’re constantly feeling ill and starting to get worried about the symptoms you’re experiencing, you should visit a professional medical facility and speak to skilled specialists about your condition. They’ll be able to offer you walk-in flu shots, medication, and advice on how to get over the illness.
If you’re having breathing or respiratory issues, you should get that checked out. If you’re having trouble breathing or wheezing, it may be a sign of a more serious respiratory infection, and you should seek medical attention.
Pay attention to how often you’re coughing and what that experience is like. If your cough is severe or lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, it may indicate a more serious condition like bronchitis or pneumonia.
You’re feeling intense abdominal and stomach pains. If you experience increased abdominal pain, especially on the right side, you may have a secondary infection like appendicitis and should seek medical attention.
Final Thoughts
While there is no surefire way to know how long the cold virus will last, following the tips outlined in this post can help shorten the time you battle the virus and recover sooner.
We all know how disruptive and uncomfortable this awful virus can be, but pre-emptive action – like eating plant-based foods, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest – can help clear a path sooner to becoming free from symptoms.
As proved by science, taking it too slow with the way you’re feeling and getting better is always preferable over quick fixes or medication that may not offer lasting benefits.
Recovering quickly from a cold or flu requires diligence and work, but if you take care of yourself for a few days, you’ll soon feel better.