December 2, 2022

You Think It’s the Flu — Now What Should You Do?

Resting, staying hydrated and taking over-the-counter medicine can help you recover quickly

Person lying in bed with thermometer in mouth

Yikes, we’re in the middle of a “tripledemic.” And you’re feeling under the weather. Now what?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Cases of COVID-19, RSV and the flu are all expected to rise during the winter months, making it more challenging to determine what respiratory virus you may have.

While headlines for the last few years have focused mostly on COVID-19, the flu remains the most common infectious disease in the United States. About 20 to 40 million people in the U.S. will get the flu each year.

You may experience symptoms like:

  • Fever/chills.
  • Cough.
  • Sore throat.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Muscle or body aches.
  • Headache.
  • Fatigue.
  • Vomiting/diarrhea.

And if you’re wondering how to tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19 — which have similar symptoms — the only way to know for sure is to get tested. (If you’re experiencing wheezing, that could be a sign of RSV).

If you test positive for the flu or your healthcare provider thinks you have the flu, what can you do to help recover quickly?

Family medicine specialist Daniel Allan, MD, discusses what to do if you have the flu, and how to ease your symptoms and make a quick recovery.

Tips to help deal with flu symptoms

What to do for the flu? Dr. Allan recommends the following remedies and advice on what helps with flu symptoms.

Get plenty of rest

Sounds like a no-brainer, right? But taking it easy and resting helps your body recover. So, pass on that workout session, stay home from work and reschedule any social activities.

Your body releases cytokines, proteins that help your body fight off infections, during sleep. And by resting, your body can devote more energy to repairing itself and fighting the flu. “When it comes to recovering from the flu, less is more,” says Dr. Allan.

Advertisement

Stay hydrated

Flu symptoms like a fever, vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration. So, drink plenty of fluids like water, broth, tea and electrolyte drinks to stay hydrated. Avoid fruit juices, which can be full of sugar, caffeinated beverages and alcohol while you’re sick.

The early signs of dehydration include fatigue, increased thirst, feeling weak and not urinating your normal amount. And if you become dehydrated, it can make your flu symptoms feel worse.

You may also want to use a humidifier, which can help reduce the spread of a virus, and alleviate a cough and nasal congestion.

Another reason why it’s important to stay hydrated? It helps keep the membranes in your nose, eyes and mouth moist, which can prevent bacteria from getting into your body.

“Your hydration needs are actually much higher during an illness than during normal times,” notes Dr. Allan. “How much fluid should you drink? Enough to keep your urine a light yellow or nearly clear.”

Use heat therapy

If you have muscle aches or body aches, applying a heat pack or using hot water bottles can help alleviate aches. Muscle aches tend to occur when your body uses certain chemicals to fight an infection.

And if you don’t have a fever, taking a steamy shower or hot bath can help ease muscle aches by loosening tight muscles.

Take over-the-counter medications

So, what do you take for the flu?

Not only can acetaminophen and NSAIDs help reduce a fever, but these medications can also help with headaches or body aches.

Advertisement

If you have a runny or stuffy nose, you can also try a nasal spray or oral decongestant like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine. But a quick note: People with hypertension or cardiac arrhythmia need to be careful about pseudoephedrine, which can cause negative side effects and drug interactions.

But the most annoying symptom of the flu can be a cough. If you develop one, try a cough suppressant like dextromethorphan. In addition to a cough suppressant, you may want to use an expectorant like guaifenesin to help clear mucus out of your lungs.

“Cough is often the most disruptive symptom, particularly when it comes to sleep,” states Dr. Allan. “If your cough is significantly affecting your sleep, consider contacting your provider, even virtually, for more effective relief.”

When to see a doctor

The flu can be serious, with about 20,000 to 50,000 people dying from it every year in the U.S. If you experience any of the following symptoms, Dr. Allan recommends heading to the emergency room:

  • A fever over 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.44 degrees Celsius).
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Not peeing or peeing very little.
  • Chest or stomach pain or pressure.
  • Persistent dizziness.
  • Confusion.
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness.
  • Seizures.
  • Bluish skin, lips and nails.

While the flu can typically be taken care of at home, it’s important that you monitor your symptoms and avoid contact with others. You can be contagious for a day before your symptoms start to up to a week after.

If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor. And to help prevent the spread of the flu in the future, consider getting a flu vaccination every year (and wash your hands regularly, of course!).

And remember, getting the right care helps you and protects those around you.

Related Articles

Teenager and parent work on homework together on couch at home
December 8, 2023
Concerta vs. Vyvanse: Two Stimulant Medications for ADHD

Both meds have similar benefits and side effects

Aspirin poured onto table from bottle
December 7, 2023
Why You Are Sensitive to Aspirin

A reaction to the medication may trigger preexisting asthma and result in sinus or skin reactions

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Woman looking in mirror and pulling skin until wrinkles disappear
December 6, 2023
Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine?

Though popular with influencers and celebrities, there’s little research to back up claims that they work

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad