by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: August 27, 2009

Tired, weak, stuffy, can't breathe, and really don't want to even get out of bed? Well, you may have the influenza. There really is no cure, but there are some things you can do to try and survive the situation. First let's start with some common sense items we don't really talk about often.

~Drink

Patients are not hungry and they have a sore throat and they really don't feel like drinking. Do it anyway. The fever is robbing the body of must needed moisture and electrolytes. Hot tea can give some comfort, but you want to stay away from too much caffeine as it dehydrates the body. Water is the number one drinking option. A flu victim may want to throw in some sports drinks to replace electrolytes. The bottom line is that they need to drink,lots.

~ Sleep

Sleep is the time when the body heals itself. If there is not enough sleep there is not enough healing time. Elevating the head makes breathing easier and is a good idea.

~ Eat

This is not an easy task with a sore throat and a stuffy head. However the body needs nutrition. Go for several small healthy snacks and make sure to include protein. Chicken soup really is a good idea. Often times the best advices comes from Grandma.

~ Rest

Sometimes sleep is out of the question, but now is a time for rest as well. So if you are used to a 20 minute walk daily, but it back on the schedule and walk in place for ten minutes. That much exertion should bring the sleep quicker.

~ Blow your nose

There is a right way and a wrong way to blow your nose. Yes it's true. So here are the instructions. Press a finger over one of your nostrils. Now blow GENTLY. The gently part is very important. Now cover the other nostril and do the same. Wash your hands or use your gel after blowing your nose each time. At least once every twenty minutes when you are awake and have the flu you should be blowing your nose.

~ Mentholatum

A little dab by the nostrils will help with the breathing. It also has a numbing effect so the sore around the nose may not develop or be as serious. It can also be spread across the chest. Anything to comfort the patient.

~ Watch the fever

The fever is there for a purpose. It is fighting the virus, so unless it is unbearable let it run its course and don't be tempted to take fever reducers. For adults anything over 103 is a problem.

~ Stay home

The risk of going out is not worth it. Stay home and don't exert too much energy. Give your immune system what it needs to fight the virus. Water, food and rest are key. It is a time that calling in sick is appreciated by the company as well.

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