Flu: Doctor shows how to recover quickly

Many people have difficulty knowing whether they have a cold or the flu, which is caused by a virus. Here, doctors will show you how to distinguish between the two diseases.

Distinguishing between flu and cold

Dr. Cheryl Lythgoe (in England) gives some points to distinguish these two diseases. When you have a cold, you will have mild symptoms such as a stuffy nose or sore throat, and you can still function normally. In contrast, the flu attacks faster and more strongly. You will often experience symptoms such as high fever, body aches and exhaustion. “If you suddenly feel weak and have difficulty functioning normally, you may have the flu, not a cold.”

“When the flu hits, especially in the latter part of the year, it can knock you out,” Dr. Lythgoe explains. “With the change in weather and lack of sunlight, it lasts longer. Most people will start to feel better in five to seven days, but it can take up to two weeks to fully recover.”

The flu strikes faster and harder than a cold. People will often experience symptoms such as high fever, body aches and exhaustion.

Photo: AI

Even if symptoms start to improve, you can still be contagious for up to seven days. That’s why it’s important to stay home and rest when you have the flu. This will help stop the spread of the virus and give your body the time it needs to fully recover. “Although the flu is a viral illness and won’t respond to antibiotics, a small percentage of people can develop a secondary bacterial infection after the flu. If you notice your symptoms getting worse or not going away after seven days, seek medical attention immediately,” warns Dr. Lythgoe.

How to Recover Faster from the Flu

Dr. Lythgoe points out some typical flu symptoms and how to take care of yourself based on each symptom to help the patient recover faster, according to Daily Mirror (UK).

Temperature : One of the most common flu symptoms is a high temperature as the body tries to fight off the infection. “Although this can be uncomfortable, you need to keep your body warm to fight off the flu. Instead of lowering your body temperature by cooling your surroundings, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to safely reduce your fever and ease the aches and pains that come with flu,” recommends Dr. Lythgoe.

Exhaustion : This indicates that the body is fighting hard to fight the virus. It happens because the immune system is overactive, consuming a large amount of energy and leaving you feeling completely exhausted. “If you are feeling this way, don’t try to fight it. Instead, give your body the rest it needs, such as sleep,” Dr. Lythgoe shares.

Sore throat or dry cough: To alleviate these two symptoms, patients need to maintain adequate hydration. Dr. Lythgoe recommends trying warm drinks to soothe the throat, make breathing easier, and reduce discomfort. In particular, herbal teas containing nutrient-rich ingredients such as ginger or lemongrass can enhance overall recovery. Additionally, drinking plenty of water can help reduce headaches that come with the flu.

Loss of appetite : “This is completely normal, but even if you don’t feel like eating, you still need to eat to maintain your health,” says Dr. Lythgoe. Some foods he suggests for people with the flu include probiotic yogurt, fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, bone broth, and vegetables. These nutrient-dense foods will provide essential vitamins and strengthen the body’s immune system.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cam-cum-bac-si-chi-cach-phuc-hoi-nhanh-18525111223120504.htm