HEY HEY HEY, guess what time it is? That's right, it's flu season! Now, while I know many of us are overjoyed at the abundance of runny noses, violent sneezes, and hacking coughs surrounding us, there are actually some people that are trying to avoid catching the flu... THE NERVE, am I right? This article is for all my friends out there who still have hope of not becoming infected (hahaha good luck) and for those of us who've already bitten the dust and are just trying to survive now (@ me).
1. Drink ALL the liquids.
Okay, obviously a chocolate shake isn't what I mean here, but you get what I'm saying. Chugging water, orange juice, hot tea, and any other hot drink without a ton of sugar will help flush out the toxins in your body the flu brings.
2. Pop ALL the pills.
Again, I'm being facetious. Please don't pop every pill you come across. The best medicines to take for the flu are usually over-the-counter and combat the side effects of the flu, like headaches, fevers, muscle ache and fatigue, sore throats, and runny noses.
3. Take a hot shower.
I spent a solid half hour wasting my campus' water last night so I could do this, and I instantly felt 10 times better. Steam helps release all that junk in your nasal cavity and clear out your sinuses faster than just stuffing a tissue up your nose.
4. Eat some soup.
Chicken noodle soup. Chicken noodle soup. Chicken noodle soup with a soda on the side... need I say more? (Ditch that soda though).
5. Get your sleep.
We all know the feeling of not getting enough sleep where our head hurts and we're utterly exhausted and all we want to do is go collapse on a bed, rather than going to class. Sleep is so important, especially when you're sick, to allow your body to go through the process of fighting the flu virus. Also, a good night's sleep never hurt a throbbing headache.
6. Give your body time to heal itself.
This ties right in with sleep. Your body needs time to fight the infection and it can't do this to the best of its abilities if you're still running around doing everything in the world. Take the time off work, email your prof saying you're sick, cancel your Friday night plans (unless it's staying in watching a movie).
7. Take extra steps to be sanitary.
Why make your sickness worse by not washing your hands, not sneezing into a tissue, not getting snot all over your hands? (I know, gross.) If you really want to abandon the flu as quickly as possible, make sure you remain as sanitary as possible and don't use the same things twice. Don't keep reusing the same tissue. Don't keep drinking from the same water bottle (unless you're washing it). It seems ridiculously simple, but it's also going to be ridiculously effective.
8. As gross as it is... nose drops or a nasal spray.
Saline nose drops are supposed to do WONDERS for a runny nose, because not only does it get all that gross snot out and clear up your sinuses, but the saline also helps remove bacteria (which is instrumental in helping you get better quicker).
9. Stay warm AT ALL TIMES.
Getting the chills, even if it's not that cold outside? Yeah, that's the flu for ya. Even though it might suck for a few days, try to stay as warm as possible by bundling up and keeping a sweatshirt around everywhere you go. This will help subside the chills and also, everyone loves a good fuzzy blanket.
10. Avoid sugar at all costs.
*Comin' at ya with another Barney gif* Ugh, I hate this one, because I ingest sugar like it's water. However, eating ice cream and snacking on chocolate while you're sick is not helping your case at all. If you want your immune system to be able to win the battle, you have to commit to eating healthy so you can finally kick this and get back to living life.
I believe in us, guys. Together, we can make American health great again... sorry, couldn't resist. Hehe.
