Home Care for Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season is upon us, and many people will begin experiencing symptoms like sore throats, runny noses, coughs, fevers or muscle aches. While a trip to the doctor is important and can help you recover quickly, there are a number of supplemental home care strategies that can help you further recuperate.

The following are some remedies to try:

• Take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms, such as a headache, muscle ache and fever.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Use a humidifier or take a hot shower to relieve a headache, cough or congestion.
• Place a warm washcloth over your eyes to ease sinus pressure and congestion.

While home remedies can help relieve cold and flu symptoms, they aren’t useful for everyone. Children and the elderly should see a doctor if they begin to feel sick to avoid more serious health complications.

Specifically, individuals should seek immediate care if they experience any of the following:

• Chest pain when breathing
• A sore throat lasting more than 48 hours
• Yellow or green nasal discharge that is accompanied by severe facial pain or a relentless headache
• Persistent pain in your abdomen or rectum