Having the flu is no fun at all. Although time seems to slow down when you're sick, there are plenty of measures you can take to shorten the duration of your illness and alleviate symptoms. This article will equip you with basic strategies for preventing and treating influenza, and introduce you to a helpful 91Â鶹¾«Æ· resource: the Student Health Services guide to navigating respiratory illnesses.
Essential Preventive Measures
Generally, the most effective measures for preventing influenza transmission are to receive your flu vaccine every year, , cover your mouth when you cough/sneeze, and routinely disinfect surfaces. If you have already contracted the flu, then it is advised that you do not return to class, work, or your daily activities until your fever is resolved without the use of a fever suppressant; symptom relief does not mean you are no longer contagious! Following these practices is crucial to ensuring you do not get sick in the first place.
At-Home Remedies
However, if you do end up getting sick, at-home treatments are an accessible option for suppressing mild flu symptoms. It is important to note, though, that at-home remedies do not shorten the length of illness; rather, they decrease symptom severity. Some of the simplest remedies include: Gargling with warm salt water once or twice a day to soothe an irritated throat. Honey can help as well, but you should make sure that you use high-quality honey. Honey substitutes typically contain high fructose corn syrup and added sugars. It is best to stick to a nutritious, non-irritating diet while you fight the infection.
- Gargle with warm salt water once or twice a day to soothe an irritated throat. Honey can help as well, but make sure you use high-quality honey. Honey substitutes typically contain high fructose corn syrup and added sugars. It is best to stick to a nutritious, non-irritating diet while you fight the infection.
- Use a saltwater nasal spray to treat a stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, and to thin drainage.
- Drink fluids to replenish (e.g., water, herbal tea, clear soup, electrolyte drinks). This will keep you hydrated and help loosen mucus. If you find yourself unable to leave your residence on campus, you might ask a friend to and pick up items for you. Alternatively, the 91Â鶹¾«Æ· Shuttle stops frequently at Student Health Services and Price Chopper.
- Avoid habits that may worsen your symptoms, such as tobacco use and drinking, especially if you are taking .
- Add humidity to your environment. This keeps your airways and nasal passages moist. You can purchase humidifiers at Kinney Drugs—or even have them delivered to your dorm via Instacart. Alternatively (and less expensively), you can wash a load of laundry and hang the clothes to dry in your room, or simply hang up a damp towel to add moisture to the air.
Over-the-Counter Resources
While the best and most reliable ways to fight the flu are good sleep, immunization, proper hand hygiene, and being mindful of contagiousness, some over-the-counter medications have shown symptom-alleviating benefits:
• Taking Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen for pain and/or fever.
• Using Oxymetazoline (Afrin) to treat nasal congestion. Be advised that you cannot use Afrin for more than 3-5 consecutive days. By doing so, you may damage your nasal passages and exacerbate your symptoms.
• Using Sudafed for nasal congestion can provide temporary relief, but it may also increase heart rate, raise blood pressure, and disrupt sleep—which, as we have established, is one of the most important components of a quick recovery.
• Taking Guaifenesin can be an effective way to suppress your cough and to thin secretions.
Identifying Your Illness, Its Severity & Courses of Action
If you have any questions about the ailment you are experiencing, Student Health Services offers a guide on navigating respiratory illnesses. Their webpage also offers recommendations for courses of action when your symptoms are severe and/or when you might risk complications from traditional flu treatments. If you are wondering whether you should call SHS (as many students often do), their guide offers recommendations on that front, too.
If you want to test for illness yourself, Kinney Drugs carries influenza and influenza/COVID swabs (costing $15 and $19, respectively). If you are already symptomatic and intend to purchase one of these tests, Student Health Services advises you to use the drive-thru or wear a mask if you need to go inside the store. Dougherty Pharmacy also offers Flu/COVID tests at a lower cost of $13.
Conclusion
It is your choice whether to tackle the flu with at-home remedies, OTC treatments, or a combination of both options. However, if you are choosing to mix treatments for the flu, or would simply like to discuss your symptoms, Student Health Services encourages you to schedule an appointment or call to speak with a nurse to explore your potential paths to recovery. You can call to make an appointment during open hours or call 315-228-7750. You can also reach out with questions using your Wellness Portal. These messages are reviewed during regular business hours.