The flu is a miserable experience. It can leave you feeling exhausted, restless, and in pain. So what should you do when the symptoms are just too much to bear? With over-the-counter medications available at your nearest pharmacy (or online), there are many ways that you can take care of yourself while staying home. Here are some helpful tips on how to stay hydrated, get restful sleep, and more!

Stay Hydrated

One of the best ways to stay healthy when you have the flu is by staying hydrated. It will help you keep your immune system running at total capacity, but it can also help with many other symptoms, such as nausea and dizziness. 

Remember that those who are not drinking enough fluids may experience confusion or difficulty concentrating. In addition, drinking a lot of water can be difficult for some people because they feel sick, so try sipping on tea or juice instead, which might make it easier than gulping down a glass of water all at once.   

Take Some Over–The Counter Painkillers

Painkillers can help to alleviate some of your symptoms. The chances are that you have them in your medicine cabinet anyway, so why not use them? You can also get them easily by purchasing them from a compounding pharmacy. 

You may want to avoid any medicines containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen if it’s an allergy season for you and you’re taking something like Claritin-D or Zyrtec-D. It is because the combination could lead to nausea, vomiting, headache and stomach upset. But other over-the-counter medications should be acceptable when combined with those two types of medication (Claritin-D and Zyrtec-D). 

If you are experiencing pain in your muscles from a fever or headache, it’s not a bad idea to take some over-the-counter medicines. Also, if you’re running high fevers for more than 24 hours, please be sure to see your doctor. 

If You Are Working Call In Sick

The flu is a virus that can be very serious, especially for those individuals who have underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems.  

If you are working and have the flu, call in sick so that you can focus on healing without having any additional stressors weighing down upon you! If not able, try taking frequent breaks and eating healthy foods.  Working on a computer or mobile device for long periods can also cause eye strain, so you need to take a regular break from those devices as well!

Exercise Because the Symptoms Are Only Above Your Head

Exercise is a great way to feel better when you have the flu. The best part about exercising with the cold or flu is that it doesn’t matter how you exercise because all of your symptoms are above your head! It’s essential to stay hydrated during any form of physical activity; sweat contains electrolytes and energy, so drinking water before and after your workout will help replace what’s lost in sweat. Remember, if you’re breaking out into a feverish flush while working out, stop for 20 minutes until the heat subsides, then resume exercises at less intensity. 

The cool air may also be refreshing instead of overheating indoors, where being close to an open fire can cause chronic dryness, which causes coughs and nosebleeds and can result in extreme dry hacking coughs.

Exercise also helps keep your body warm while outdoors by generating heat through muscle contractions just like shivering does but without the involuntary neurological response (shivers). If it’s too chilly outside, try exercising inside on a treadmill or use a stationary bike in front of an open window for some extra warmth during windy days when temperatures are below 50°F. 

Get As Much Rest As You Can

If you’re home with the flu, keep in mind that rest is critical to getting better. You may need to take a few days off work or school and avoid social events like parties or sports games until you feel well again. It will help your body heal faster because it won’t be fighting against overstimulation from being out of bed all day long.

Get into bed as soon as possible after waking up, if possible! The mattress provides both comfort and warmth, reducing pain associated with shivering (and fever) while sleeping. If this is not an option for some reason, grab a big fluffy blanket and curl up on the couch instead! 

Not only are all of the above treatments effective on the flu, but they can also give you more energy and help to decrease your body’s inflammatory response. So for those who want to avoid medication altogether, try out some of these natural remedies. You won’t regret it!