Home Care for Cold and Flu Season

Many people visit the doctor even when they do not need a doctor’s expertise to diagnose and treat their symptoms. The next time you or someone in your family has a cold or experience flu-like symptoms (such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough, dizziness, fever or muscle aches), it may be wise to try some home remedies before making that expensive visit to the doctor.

Home Remedies For Home Care for Cold and Flu Season

• Take aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms such as a headache, muscle aches and fever. Do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 18 who has a fever, flu symptoms or chicken pox, as it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but fatal condition
• 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

Healthy Tips For Home Care for Cold and Flu Season

• An ounce of prevention goes a long way in keeping the cold and flu bug away!
• Wash your hands often and refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy and whole grains
• Exercise regularly, making it a part of your family’s daily routine!

When To Call The Doctor During Cold and Flu Season

Despite your best attempts to get better, a cold or flu bug may linger or develop into something more serious. Call your doctor if the following symptoms appear:

• Sore throat lasting more than 48 hours; inside of throat is bright red, swollen, has white spots or a rough, red rash
• Cold symptoms lasting for more than 10 days
• Nasal discharge is yellow or green, lasts all day, and is accompanied by severe facial pain or a relentless headache
• Cough is painful and produces thick, bloody or green mucous
• Chest pain when breathing
• Ear pain is severe or persists for more than one week, or there is ear discharge
• Fever lasting for more than four days and is accompanied by chills, soaking sweats and/or mental confusion
• Developing a fever of 100°F or higher after the third day of being ill
• Persistent pain in your abdomen or rectum
• Bloody or black stool or vomit, or vomit resembling coffee beans
• Eight or more bowel movements per day