by Mopes

Created on: January 30, 2009

If you were vaccinated and still got the flu, don't be too surprised. There are so many different strains of the flu circulating each year, that it's impossible for any prevention program to work 100% of the time. This means that eventually, you're bound to be stricken by sickness. If this has happened to you, you're going to need to know how to fix it.

There isn't any single trick to curing the flu, there are just a few simple steps you can take to ensure that it's over as soon as possible.

Firstly, you'll want to get plenty of rest. This is one of those times that you have an excuse to not get out of bed. If you have to go to school or work, call them up and cancel. You can't go. You want to lay around calmly until you're feeling better. In fact, every moment possible, sleep. The more you sleep, the better your immune system will respond to the flu virus. Even if you're not tired, don't get out of bed. Do something calming. Watch some TV, read a book. Anything to keep you laying in bed.

You will also want to stay hydrated. The flu generally comes with a fairly severe fever, so there's a lot of sweating involved. You don't want to get dehydrated, so drink plenty of water. Dehydration will only make you feel more sick. If you get sick of water, it's a good idea to drink things like sports drinks or orange juice. Orange juice has a lot of vitamin C which helps strengthen your immune system, and sports drinks are formulated specifically to keep you hydrated.

Also, you definitely don't want to stop eating. Even if you're suffering from extreme nausea, you want to try to stomach something. Chicken soup has always been popular, and it works, too. Not only are you getting the nutrition you need, but it helps keep you hydrated. Plus...

Hot liquids are good for you. Not only will they work as a decongestant, but they help soothe an inflamed throat. Not only that, but liquids are liquids, and as previously mentioned, hydration is key. Generally, it's a good idea to stick to drinks with a low caffeine content, as you don't want the hot liquids to prevent you from getting proper rest.

Hot shower's don't hurt either. It'll help you feel better in the short term to clean the sweat off your body, and keep you clean, but there's also some fringe benefits. The steamy air in the room will help soothe your throat and clear your sinuses. In fact, even after the shower it's a good idea to stay in the room with the door closed and just enjoy the steam bath.

It's also a good idea to keep the medications to a minimum. Painkillers and decongestants can give you the illusion of feeling better. As good as you may feel, it may lengthen the recovery process. If you medicate yourself and don't get the proper rest and hydration, it's more likely that you won't let yourself get better before resuming your normal daily activities.

Above all else, just remember it will be over soon. There's nothing more important than keeping in mind that the way your body feels will be over soon. Keep your spirits up, and you'll feel better in no time.

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