8 Tips to Beat This Year’s Flu

1. Rest

Let’s start with R&R (rest and relaxation). The easiest way to spread the flu to others is through personal contact, so don’t be afraid to call in sick to work or school. A missed day in the office may be an inconvenience, but it would be worse to have a completely empty office if everyone has contracted the flu and you’ve been identified as patient 0. 

Ask your friends for their favorite TV show recommendations, because you now have time to catch up on all four seasons of that one show you have been missing out on. This could also be a great time to curl up with a good book, but consider reading it on an electronic tablet that can be disinfected easily. Take a pause and allow your body to expend energy on fighting the flu virus while you take some time to rest and start getting better. 

If you’ve chosen to find comfort on the couch, you may want to consider covering the couch with a combination of flat and fitted sheets on the pillows and cushions to easily remove the sheets and throw them into the washer periodically and reduce the spread of germs. Keep in mind that this is not the best time to cuddle up with your beloved pup on the couch, because surprisingly, humans can transmit the flu virus to animals.

2. Hydration

Grab a reusable straw, because your body needs liquids. Since your body’s busy fighting the flu, your metabolism’s revving up and it is easier than ever to get dehydrated. Stay hydrated with caffeine-free herbal tea (chamomile, ginger, and mint), and feel free to add honey, which has anti-viral properties. If drinking flat water gets dull, add some lemon or orange slices to add both vitamins and flavor. 

It’s best to avoid drinking coffee, as caffeine is a mild diuretic, and causes headaches and insomnia (!) for some individuals. In this healing mode, it’s also recommended to stay away from sugary beverages, which don’t contain many health or hydration benefits despite being delicious. 

3. Humidity

Your antibodies (those organisms that help to fight off the flu virus) do best when they’re warm, so avoid drafts by bundling up in some warm clothing. This is a great time to reach to the back of your closet for a snuggly robe and your softest pajamas because elastic waistbands are also very helpful in the recovery process. 

Other tips that may be helpful include  breaking out the humidifier, taking warm showers and baths (embrace the steam to unclog pores and nasal passages), and apply a hot compress to your face – adding cucumbers to your eyes and lighting candles for a spa ambiance is optional. Opening a window just to let the air circulate every so often can also be helpful to keep your space from getting too stuffy, but be careful not to leave it open too long and risk getting too cold, which will not help your immune system fight to the best of its ability. 

4. Nutritious Food

Be sure to incorporate more protein, zinc, and vitamin C in your diet to provide your body with nourishing and immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. Reach for grandma’s famous chicken soup recipe, or grab your favorite prepared soup at your local grocery store. Stay cautious of too many carbohydrates and sugar, swapping them out for spicy foods that are higher in amino acids like ginger, peppers, onions, garlic, and sauerkraut, which have anti-viral properties.

To paraphrase Hippocrates, allow the nutrients from food to serve as a supplement to your medicine, and keep in mind the healing benefits of different types of foods that will allow you to remain on the veggie-paved road to recovery. Refrain from consuming too much processed foods that are light in vitamins and minerals, especially since your activity levels will be a bit lower during the healing process. 

With fewer calories being exerted, be sure to try and use food to healthfully fuel your body to be strong against the flu virus it’s tirelessly fighting to squash. It is also a good idea to eat some squash, which is high in vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. 

5. Wash Up

You can help yourself and those around you by frequently washing your hands. Regular hand washing is not just for employees returning to work after using the restaurant bathroom! Be sure to wash your hands before, during, and after food handling and consumption. If you sneeze, blow your nose, or cough, your next stop should be to the bathroom to use warm water and soap, and wash your hands for 20 seconds then rinse. It’s helpful for many people to sing “Happy Birthday” while washing their hands to ensure they’re scrubbing long enough for the friction between their hands to effectively eliminate bad germs. 

Consistent washing doesn’t just stop at your hands. Be sure to regularly wash your towels, cleaning cloths, blankets, bedding, and clothes to avoid spreading germs onto people you share spaces with. Adding a bit of bleach per your fabric care instructions found on the label can help to sanitize your laundry - just be careful with colored fabrics. 

6. Sanitize

The flu is a bit like your in-laws; those germs like to hang around. The flu virus can live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours, so be sure to disinfect surfaces that you’ve touched, especially your bedroom and bathroom. After blowing your nose, be sure to immediately dispose of the tissue in a trash receptacle that is lined with a plastic bag so that it can easily be tossed. Attack surfaces like countertops, remote controls, computer keyboards, light switches, doorknobs, and the toilet handle with antibacterial wipes. 

If you share a home, especially with children or older people who have weaker immune systems, it’s a good idea to claim a spoon, bowl, and cup that no one else will use to avoid contamination. Staying in your room and only using 1 bathroom will reduce the spaces that need to be regularly disinfected. 

7. Sleep 

We’ve already covered rest, but make sure you’re actually getting some zzz’s. Are you familiar with cytokines? They’re proteins released by the immune system that fight inflammation and infection in the body. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night to allow those helpful cytokines flourish and fight the flu virus.  

Ideally, you’re at home and have the flexibility to allow your body to decide how long it would like to explore REM cycles, and you can forgo setting an alarm. If you must time-box your slumber, you can add another hour or two to your normal nightly sleep duration to catch those Z’s. If your body calls for a nap in the middle of the day, close your blinds, snuggle up, and lean into a little siesta. 

8. Last but not least, see a Doctor

If your symptoms are more severe, or your home remedies have not led to much relief, you may want to call your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care center near you to receive helpful tips on next steps. Before your visit, try to maintain a log of your symptoms and the length of time you’ve been experiencing them to help your provider get an accurate picture of your current state and recommend the appropriate course of treatment for you. 

Try not to touch too many common objects (the pen at the doctor’s office for the sign in sheet and doorknobs are notoriously germy). Be mindful of other patients who are sick in the waiting room, by covering your mouth and continuously practicing regular hand washing to reduce the spread of germs. 

If the physician prescribed antiviral medication following your visit, for example Tamiflu, then be sure to adhere to the correct dosage and complete your recommended course of treatment. It is important for long-term health to complete the full prescription even when symptoms are starting to subside and you are feeling better. 

Sick and need to see a doctor? Find an urgent care center near you!

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