How to Care for Flu Symptoms at Home

Flu season can be tough. The flu can make you feel miserable, with symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and a sore throat. Fortunately, there are several ways to manage these symptoms and feel better while you rest and recover.

Three keys to healing

Your body depends on you to focus on three ways you can support it while it works hard to fight the flu virus. These key needs are rest, hydration and food.

Your body needs time to heal, and sleep helps your immune system fight off the virus. Aim to sleep as much as your body needs and take naps during the day if you feel tired.

Along with rest, staying hydrated is crucial. “Fever, sweating and nausea are common with the flu, and they can lead to dehydration,” says Dr. Jane Corboy, Adventist Health Columbia Gorge family physician and primary care chair. “Focus on drinking plenty of water, herbal tea and clear broth to give your body the fluids it needs.” If you're having trouble drinking water, try ice chips or sports drinks with electrolytes to help replace lost fluids.

When you're sick, you may not feel like eating. Your body still needs fuel though. Focus on simple, easy-to-digest foods like soup, toast or crackers. Avoid greasy or heavy foods that may upset your stomach.

Treating symptoms

Several over-the-counter medications can help ease flu symptoms. For example, if you have a fever or body aches, medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce pain and bring your temperature down. Follow the instructions on the label, and don't take more than the recommended dose.

If you have a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water can soothe it. You can also try throat lozenges or sprays to provide temporary relief. For a stuffy nose or congestion, using a saline nasal spray or a humidifier can help clear your airways.

Prevent spreading the flu

While you're recovering, it's important to avoid spreading the flu to others. Stay home from school or work. Try to stay away from others in your household if possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

When to seek medical help

Most people with the flu can manage their symptoms at home and recover in about one to two weeks. However, Dr. Corboy points out, there are certain patients at higher risk from serious illness who should contact their physician right away.

• Pregnant
• Elderly
• Young children
• Health condition that requires extra attention during an illness, such as diabetes, heart or lung disease

Higher risk patients should contact their physician as soon as possible because they may be able to start an anti-flu medication. This needs to be started within two or three days in order to have the most benefit.

Even you are not at higher risk, there are times when you should call your physician:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever above 103F that doesn’t respond to medication
• Fever lasting more than a few days

Recovering at home

Except in these special cases, staying home is a good idea. Most people can care for flu symptoms at home with rest, hydration and treating symptoms with over-the-counter remedies. By taking care of yourself and following these simple steps, you'll feel better soon and be back to your normal routine in no time!

If you don’t have a primary care provider, take the time to get one before the flu hits. Our family and internal medicine teams are welcoming new patients.