Can’t Stay Home with a Cold or Flu? Feel Better Now
You’re under the weather—but you can’t miss that big meeting or child’s birthday party just because of a cold. Here’s how to make it through the day.
Life doesn’t stop when you get sick.
Try the following methods to get rid
of cold and flu symptoms and get on
with your day:
- Saline nasal drops can help clear out your nose and moisten raw skin. Petroleum jelly also can relieve dry skin on your nose.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, or inhaling secondhand smoke.
- Drink plenty of water and eat soup—clear liquid can loosen mucus and prevent dehydration.
- Soothe a sore throat with sprays or lozenges. Or try gargling with salt water a few times a day.
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve pain and fever. However, don’t give aspirin to children or teenagers. Tepid baths and cool sponges also can help lower your temperature.
- Over-the-counter medicines can help relieve symptoms such as watery eyes, a runny nose, congestion, and coughing.
- If you have the flu, ask your doctor about antiviral medications.
If you have a fever, chills, body aches, or a severe cough—or your symptoms came on suddenly—it’s best to stay home or go home if possible. You may have a more serious viral infection. It’s also a good idea to stay home if you feel you may be contagious or pose a danger to others.
When in doubt, see your doctor. For a
personal physician, call our Physician Referral
Line at 828-757-5571.
