6 Things You Should Do After A Cold Or Flu

Both cold and flu have similar symptoms and are caused by viruses. They are the most common illnesses in humans.

Cold and Flu facts –

• They have similar symptoms, but the cold is the nicer of the two as flu is accompanied by high fever.
• Statistics via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that an average adult has 2 to 3 colds per year.
• The Rhinovirus is the real culprit behind your cold most of the time.

Although, you took all the precautions necessary to avoid getting sick – the flu shot, washed your hands vigorously, used sanitizer often, tried staying away from your co-worker who was sick but couldn’t escape catching that dreadful sickness. You’ve been lying on the bed for days and the worst is over. What comes next?

Even though you feel that you’re back to normal, you’re still in recovery mode and need to take precautions keep that flu at bay.

Listed are the six things that you can do to say bye to the flu or cold for a while.

Wash your hands as often as you can

After eating, before eating, while going or coming back from the grocery store, the list never ends but keep your hands free from germs. It is these germs that can cause you to contract the same sickness again.

Make use of a humidifier

A humidifier is good to prevent a sinus infection after a cold and hence should be kept clean. It is a device that lets out vapor or steam in the air and helps you breathe easy. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the humidifier clean so that you can breathe cleaner air.

Don’t strain yourself

Just because you think you’ve recovered from a cold doesn’t mean that you go back full swing into your routine. You should avoid any kind of strenuous exercise for at least a week after recovery from the sickness. If you’re feeling too restless, you can go out for a walk for a few minutes but not very long. You still need plenty of rest.

Reduce the amount of stress

Stress leads to a release of certain hormones that weaken your immune system. Therefore, at the time of recovery refrain from taking a lot of stress. Your immune system is vulnerable already and you don’t want to make things worse.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people

You’ve just managed to get rid of the cold and flu, why risk the chances of contracting the sickness again? The CDC recommends that you should stay at home for at least 24 hours after the fever has gone away. If not, at least try to avoid contact with people who are sick.

Let that mucus out

There may be some leftover mucus in your body. It is best for you to try and get the mucus out. One way is to blow your nose while having a hot shower as the steam loosens your nasal passages and makes it easier for the mucus to flow out.

If the above measures don’t work for you, you can book an appointment with our doctors at Fairfax Urgent Care and receive immediate assistance.