Influenza is an illness caused by a viral infection that can occur in all seasons, but the risk is twice as high during the winter. Proper self-care when suffering from influenza is important to reduce the chance of complications that may lead to severe harm, such as respiratory tract infections.
Check carefully.. Are you suffering from a cold or the flu?
Often, patients confuse the symptoms of a cold with those of the flu, leading to inappropriate treatment. If a patient has a low fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and recovers within 1-2 weeks, it likely indicates a common cold that is not severe.
However, when a patient experiences a sudden high fever, chills, muscle aches especially in the back, thighs, and upper arms, along with headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, cough, and runny nose, these are usually warning signs of the flu. Most symptoms improve within 7 days, but some cases may develop complications. Therefore, patients should take extra care when they have the flu.
4 ways to take care of yourself when you have the flu
- Take medication continuously, frequently wipe your body with a warm or plain water cloth to reduce fever, and get enough rest.
- Wear clothing that keeps your body warm at all times and wear a mask to prevent the spread of germs.
- Drink plenty of warm water, eat a balanced diet with all 5 food groups, focusing on soft and easily digestible foods, and use a serving spoon if eating with others.
- Avoid close contact with people who are at risk or have weakened immune systems.
If you have the flu and experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately
In addition to the 4 self-care tips above, regularly monitoring for abnormalities that may indicate severe complications is another important practice that patients should not overlook.
- High fever, body aches, and cough that do not improve within 2 days (after taking medication)
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Chest pain when coughing or breathing
- Nausea, severe vomiting, inability to eat
