Summertime is a great time to get out and enjoy the weather, but it can also be a time for illness. The summer flu is a common ailment that many people experience during the hotter months. Here are some tips for battling the summer flu and staying healthy this season!
1) Get vaccinated
The best way to combat the flu is to get vaccinated against it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting a flu shot, and make sure you get one every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine each season.
Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious influenza-related complications, like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes, and people 65 years and older.
2) Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for overall health, but it’s especially crucial when you’re trying to fight off the flu. Drink plenty of fluids, like water, juice, and herbal tea. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages, which can dehydrate you. If you have a fever or diarrhea, you’ll need to drink even more fluids to replace the ones you’re losing. Signs of dehydration include thirst, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
If you can’t keep down liquids due to vomiting or diarrhea, try drinking sports drinks or rehydration solutions like Pedialyte® to help replace lost electrolytes. You can also get fluids from foods like soup, watermelon, and cucumbers.
3) Get plenty of rest
When you’re fighting the flu, your body needs time to recover. So make sure you get plenty of rest. Sleep is essential for overall health and gives your body the time it needs to heal. Most people need seven to eight hours of sleep a day, but if you’re sick, you may need more.
Try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you wind down the day and prepare for sleep. And make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet so you can get the best night’s sleep possible.
4) Try nasal rinsing
Nasal rinsing is a simple, effective way to reduce congestion and remove irritants from your nose. It can also help prevent respiratory infections. You can buy saline solutions at most pharmacies or make your own with a half-teaspoon of salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water.
To use a saline solution, fill a small cup with the solution and tilt your head forward. Gently pour the solution into one nostril, allowing it to drain through the other nostril into a sink. Repeat on the other side. Nasal rinsing should be done daily, especially when you’re sick.
You can also use nasal sprays or drops to reduce congestion, but these should be used sparingly. Read more about the pros and cons of nasal sprays here.
In conclusion, the best way to combat the flu is to get vaccinated, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. You can also try nasal rinsing to reduce congestion. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthy summer!
Thank you for reading!
