Every winter, the cold and flu come back around like clockwork. Your day becomes a battleground of stuffy noses and coughs. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to ease the symptoms and get back to being yourself.
Wear a mask
Wearing a mask is second nature to most people now. Around the world, people have begun adopting the practice of wearing a facemask in the winter. It is still a hot topic of debate but most people have probably realized that they haven’t had a cold or flu as often. Besides, you have probably invested in a collection of reusable masks, so why not get some use out of them every year too?
Build up your immune system
This is something that you should think about all year around. Your immune system is responsible for fighting infections in your body, including the common cold. Building up your immune system with supplements or Local Hive Honey can help boost your immune system quickly. What you eat and drink can have an effect on your immune system so it’s important to be mindful about what we put in our bodies. I also think it’s a good idea for everyone in our family to get the flu shot each year.
But if you catch a cold …
Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated gives your body a better chance of fighting off the cold. You could run the risk of becoming dehydrated for a variety of reasons. A runny nose can make you lose a lot of fluids. If you have a fever, you will sweat more than normal. To make mucus, your body needs extra water. You don’t need to drink anything fancy, ordinary water is perfect for hydration. Try to avoid sugar-filled drinks that can cause sugar crashes or caffeine drinks that can cause further dehydration.
Eat healthy
Try to make yourself something tasty but healthy. You might not feel like eating but your body needs fuel to help fight off the virus. It doesn’t need to be anything complicated, even a bowl of oatmeal is better than nothing. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and keep it tasty.
Rest
Your sleep patterns can be disrupted when you or a family member has a cold or flu. It might be tempting to soldier on with your responsibilities but everyone needs a break every so often. Taking a day to recharge your batteries is good for you but it is essential when you are sick. If you can, take a hot shower to open your sinuses to help you breathe. Propping your pillow up to keep your head elevated will stop mucus from gathering at the back of your throat and nose.
Having a cold or flu isn’t fun but it should only last a few days. After a day or two, your symptoms should start to ease. It might take slightly longer for a lingering cough to completely disappear but using these tips will help to recover quicker.