Flu and autumn

In the fall, the risk of flu increases. The changing temperatures, colder days and more time indoors make it easier for viruses to spread. You may suddenly feel sick, develop a fever, muscle aches and sore throat. The flu virus, also known as the influenza virus, is then often the culprit. But what can you do if you get the flu, and how can we help you?

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Symptoms of flu

Flu often comes very suddenly. You feel sick within hours, with fever (38 degrees or higher), chills, headache and muscle aches. In addition, you may experience coughing, sore throat and difficulty breathing. Although the flu goes away on its own in most people, it can sometimes lead to complications, especially if you have weaker health or an underlying condition. Consider the elderly or people with chronic illnesses such as asthma or diabetes.

What can you do yourself

When you have the flu, it is important to take good care of yourself. The body needs time and rest to recover. Here are some advice to help recovery:

Rest: Flu exhausts your body, so take it easy. It is not necessary to stay in bed all day, but overexertion should be avoided. If you are in bed a lot, try to get up and move around regularly to activate your muscles and prevent thrombosis.
Hydration: Drink 1.5 to 2 liters of fluids a day. This helps prevent dehydration, especially if you have a fever and sweat a lot. Water and tea are excellent choices.
Hygiene: To avoid infecting others, cough or sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly and use paper tissues that you throw away immediately.

Medications for flu

In most cases, the flu is a matter of getting out, but some medications can help relieve your symptoms.

Paracetamol: Paracetamol is an effective painkiller for the flu. It not only helps with muscle aches and headaches, but can also lower fever. However, keep in mind that paracetamol does not make you better faster, but only relieves symptoms. You can buy this at the pharmacy without a prescription, but always follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Antibiotics: Many people wonder if antibiotics can help with the flu, but that is not the case. Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections, while flu is caused by a virus. Only if your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, can antibiotics be prescribed.
Virus inhibitors: In some cases, especially those at increased risk for serious complications, the doctor may prescribe virus inhibitors. These medications inhibit the multiplication of the flu virus, but they must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Note that these medications can have side effects, such as nausea and headaches, and it is not always certain that they reduce the risk of complications.

When to call the doctor?

Most of the time, the flu is harmless and goes away on its own within a few days to a week. Still, it is important to keep watching your body. Contact your doctor if you notice that you are getting increasingly ill, having trouble breathing, feeling confused, groggy or if you have high risk factors, such as poor health from another illness. In these cases, further medical advice may be needed.

Flu is common in the fall and winter, but with proper care and medication, you can alleviate symptoms and get back on your feet quickly.