|
Having the flu is the pits. Taking care of someone who has the flu can almost be equally awful. The flu is a pretty common virus, but it may surprise you how many people are unsure of how to deal with it. Here are a few pointers for getting through the awful bug and make sure you get the best flu care possible. Keep Hydrated The most important thing to do when you have the flu is to keep hydrated. It may feel like you can't keep anything down when you are sick and throwing up, but it is important to keep getting water, or something to settle your stomach like ginger ale, into your body. Even if you are constantly vomiting, continue to try to take little sips of liquids. If you can eat at all, soup and other clear liquids are good things to try. Even if you aren't vomiting, you are probably losing a lot of water weight by sweating. If you can't keep anything down for an extended amount of time, you may need to contact your doctor or go to an urgent care center or emergency room. Special Needs The flu can be especially nasty for babies as well as for the elderly. This is why you should take every precaution and have these age groups get a flu shot each year. If you are a caregiver and you have the flu, you should try to stay away from them as much as possible, sanitize things that you touch, or wear protective masks. A flu might just be an inconvenience to you, but to a baby or elderly person, it could be life-threatening. If you have a job that puts you in contact with other people, especially these age groups, then you should take a day or two off to recuperate—not just for you, but for the health of others as well. Sleep Your body is working overtime to get this nasty bug out of your body. So it makes sense if you feel exhausted or if you have muscle aches and pains throughout your body. For the pains, you should take acetaminophen (this also reduces fevers) and, for the exhaustion, just go to bed. Your body will be able to fight this off so much better if it doesn't have to concentrate on other things, like walking, thinking, or blinking, among other things. All of your energy is being sucked from your immune system. Go to the Doctor If you are having these symptoms during normal office hours, go ahead and give your doctor a call. However, many times it seems that you get sick in the middle of the night or weekends. If you need to seek medical assistance for flu care, don't hesitate to go to an urgent care center or the emergency room. If you are so dehydrated that you are too weak to walk or you are just concerned because you fit into the dangerous age groups, then seek medical attention.
Related Articles -
flu, care,
|
