Suffering from the flu? Top ways to recover faster

Amidst an active threat of COVID-19, flu cases are rising rampantly. And unlike previous seasons, this year's influenza season is severe, lingering on for longer for those who do contract it. Studies have also found that there's a high likelihood of developing long flu , much like long COVID.

Now, while flu may be a routine illness which we have been routinely exposed to, and does not have a strict isolation norm like COVID requires, it's still very much important that we treat flu symptoms seriously, and do not delay any diagnosis or symptoms of concern.

Also read: Beware of these flu symptoms if you have heart disease

Flu is a major respiratory infection wherein symptoms start to come up 2-5 days post contraction. Now, while most of the symptoms are very similar to that of a cold, allergies, or even COVID-19, the symptoms in itself could linger on for 5-7 days. In more severe cases, wherein an individual might be suffering from a pre-existing, immunosuppressant condition, it could take considerably longer to fight the infection. In most cases, a full recovery happens within 2 weeks. However, one can still continue to reel from some symptoms, or feel weak or drained, even if the infection has been successfully fought off.

Having said that, while a usual recovery plan relies on symptomatic treatment, rest and recovery, here are a few helpful ways to recover faster from the flu, and relieve symptoms:

Now, while we do stress that flu is relatively less contagious than COVID-19, it's still advisable to stay at home , and avoid stepping out till the time the infection symptoms have reduced considerably. Staying home, ample rest and sleep are the best strategies to fight the flu naturally.

Simply said, when you are recuperating from the flu, the body's very fragile, and if you do step out or engage in routine tasks, not only do you risk spreading the symptoms onto others, but also would feel a lot weaker, and stressed, which can ultimately prolong recovery. It's also advisable that when you do interact with others, or have respiratory symptoms like the cough or cold, a mask is used to reduce transmission risk.

Dehydration can be a complication which can stem from fighting a flu, especially when you are not too careful about your diet or your hydration levels. Therefore, one way to hasten up your recovery is to have ample of drinks- nourishing, soothing and hydrating drinks, which would also feel relieving for the throat and clear sinuses up.

During your recovery, ensure that you have at least 1-2 litres of water without fail, and increase your intake of ORS fluids as well. However, do keep your consumption of caffeinated beverages to the bare minimum since they can further dehydrate you.

While battling the flu can be a very routine illness, we also have a lot of easily available OTC medications to fight the flu. However, the medications can greatly differ, and it's important not to self-medicate upon getting sick. Take medications according to what your current symptoms are, and only after checking with a doctor.

There are also a lot of antivirals available to fight the flu, which can be consulted before use. The need for antivirals also greatly vary, and depend on a case-by-case basis.

Flu can prove to be a bigger threat if you already suffer from a condition like diabetes, high B.P. or heart disease. While such risk factors require more precise care, a viral infection could also disturb vital health parameters, spike up blood sugar levels or raise cholesterol levels (because of the foods you eat, or missing medications). Hence, it's always advised that someone who has diabetes or high B.P. keep monitoring their vitals even more frequently when they have the flu, take all necessary medications. The more you are in control over your preconditions, the better and easier it would be to fight the flu.

When you have the flu, it can be quite uncomfortable to have a blocked nose, sinus issues which could make it difficult to breathe properly. To avoid such problems, it's advisable to add some form of moisture to the room you're resting in. Try taking a hot shower, doing steam inhalation, using a humidifier to do so. While sleeping, doctors also advise adding a pillow to take the pressure off the sinuses, which will also provide more rest.

Encountering digestive troubles when you are fighting the flu can be very common, and most times, when you have a terrible case of the flu, proper eating habits go for a toss. It's important to thus have meals and foods which are light and easy on the stomach, and equally nourishing. Traditional staples like oatmeal, soup, khichdi, dal are all easy and healthy. What you should also be concentrating on is filling up on nutrients which can assist the immune system in speedier recovery. Therefore, try to take in as much Vitamin C, antioxidants, zinc and protein through your meals (fruits, veggies , pulses and legumes) to recover faster.

Anything oily, greasy, spicy, fried or processed is best kept away when you are fighting the flu. What you eat plays a very essential role, and loading up on unhealthy, or foods which are heavier for your body to digest may not bode well. Also avoid having too much of sugary drinks, and if you are a diabetic, be careful to look over at the medications and cough syrups, since there could be extra sugar hiding in them.

While a flu infection tends to get better in a week or ten days for most people, the infection can also turn severe for people and worsen without notice. The flu actually has a high rate of mortality. Therefore, those with a weak immune system should be careful and be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms of worsening health:

-Dehydration

-Dizziness, confusion, delirium

-Abdominal pain

-Swelling and rashes

-Nausea , blood with vomiting