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Tag: seasonal illness care

  • What Is the Flu? Symptoms, Prevention, and When to Call a Doctor

    What Is the Flu? Symptoms, Prevention, and When to Call a Doctor

    According to multiple sources, this flu season is the most intense one we have seen in 15 years. At Everwell, we want everyone to be informed about symptoms, prevention, care, and when to seek help.

    What Is the Flu?

    The flu is an illness that can make you feel very sick. It can cause fever, cough, body aches, and tiredness. The flu spreads easily from person to person, especially in the fall and winter.

    What Causes the Flu?

    The flu is caused by tiny germs called viruses. These viruses can travel through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can also catch the flu by touching something with flu germs on it and then touching your face.

    What Are the Symptoms of the Flu?

    If you have the flu, you might:

    • Have a fever (your body gets very warm)
    • Feel very tired
    • Have a headache or sore muscles
    • Cough or have a sore throat
    • Have a runny nose

    The flu can come on suddenly, meaning you might feel fine one day and really sick the next.

    Is the Flu Dangerous?

    For most people, the flu is not serious, and they get better at home in about a week. But for some people, the flu can be dangerous. It can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection.

    People who are at higher risk of getting very sick include:

    • Babies and young children
    • People over 65
    • Pregnant people
    • People with health problems like asthma or diabetes

    How Can I Prevent the Flu?

    The best way to prevent the flu is to:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water
    • Stay away from sick people
    • Get a flu shot every year
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow
    • Keep the air fresh by opening windows when possible

    How to Care for Yourself at Home

    Rest and symptom management are key to flu recovery. Follow these steps to help your body heal:

    Follow Discharge Instructions

    Discharge instructions provide essential guidance on how to care for yourself after a medical visit. Make sure you understand and follow your physician’s recommendations. If anything is unclear, ask questions.

    Home Care Tips

    • Rest: Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities.
    • Hydration: Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and help thin mucus.
    • Medication: Take any prescribed antiviral medication as directed. Over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help reduce fever and body aches.
    • Steam Therapy: Take warm, steamy showers to soothe your cough and loosen congestion.
    • Soothing Remedies: Use cough drops or hard candy for a sore throat.
    • Use a Humidifier: If recommended by your physician, use a cool mist humidifier to keep your airways moist. Be sure to clean it regularly.
    • Saline Nasal Drops: These can help relieve nasal congestion.
    • Manage Fever: Dress in lightweight clothing and cover with a light blanket to avoid overheating.

    Prevent Spreading the Flu

    To protect those around you, take these precautions:

    • Stay home while you have a fever or feel unwell.
    • Limit close contact with others, and wear a mask if necessary.
    • Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
    • Avoid touching your face, as the flu virus spreads through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Do not share personal items such as cups, food, towels, or bedding.
    • Clean frequently touched surfaces, like door handles, remote controls, and phones, with a disinfectant that kills viruses.
    • Return to work or school only when your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

    Most people get better on their own. But call a doctor if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or if you start to feel worse after feeling better.

    Can the Flu Be Treated?

    Yes, doctors can give you medicine to help fight the flu. This medicine works best if you take it soon after getting sick. But antibiotics do not work on the flu because the flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

    What About the Flu and Pregnancy?

    If you are pregnant, the flu can be more dangerous for you and your baby. If you think you have the flu, call your doctor right away. It is also very important for pregnant people to get the flu shot.

    When Should I Stay Home?

    If you have the flu, stay home from work or school until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without medicine. This helps keep others from getting sick.

    When to Seek Medical Help

    While most people recover from the flu at home, some symptoms require urgent medical attention. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you:

    • Struggle to breathe and can only say one or two words at a time.
    • Need to sit upright constantly to breathe or cannot lie down.
    • Are exhausted from trying to breathe or are sweating from the effort.

    Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

    • Trouble breathing even while sitting still.
    • Severe chest discomfort.
    • Confusion or disorientation.
    • Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
    • Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, muscle cramps, or dizziness when standing.

    Follow-Up Care

    Your physician may recommend a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery. Be sure to schedule and attend any necessary check-ups.

    Final Thoughts

    Recovering from the flu takes time, but with proper care, you can ease your symptoms and get back to feeling your best. Rest, stay hydrated, and follow these steps to protect yourself and those around you.

    If you have any concerns or your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your physician.

    You can also schedule an appointment with Everwell Health Solutions here: https://everwellhealthsolutions.akutehealth.com/appointments

    To learn more about what we do and how we can help you, check out this page: https://everwellhealthsolutions.com/primary-care-services/

  • What to Do When You Have a Cold: Practical Tips for Relief

    What to Do When You Have a Cold: Practical Tips for Relief

    Catching a cold is never convenient, but it happens to all of us. Whether you are dealing with a scratchy throat, a runny nose, or that dreaded cough, knowing how to care for yourself can make all the difference. While there is no cure for the common cold, there are plenty of ways to ease symptoms, support your immune system, and recover more comfortably.

    Here are the key tips for common cold relief to take when you are feeling under the weather:

    1. Stay Hydrated

    Drinking plenty of fluids is one of the most important things you can do when you have a cold. Staying hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, and clear broths helps thin mucus and prevent dehydration. They can also help soothe a sore throat. Avoid caffeinated or sugary beverages, as they can lead to dehydration.

    2. Rest and Recharge

    Your body needs extra energy to fight off a cold, so make rest a priority. Take naps, go to bed early, and allow yourself to slow down. Listen to your body—it is okay to take a break from your usual routine while you recover.

    3. Soothe Your Throat

    For a scratchy or sore throat, try:

    • Warm saltwater gargles: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle a few times daily.
    • Honey: Stir a teaspoon of honey into warm water or tea to ease discomfort.
    • Throat lozenges or sprays: These can provide temporary relief, but be sure to choose sugar-free options when possible.

    4. Ease Nasal Congestion

    A stuffy nose can be one of the most bothersome cold symptoms. To breathe easier, try:

    • Steam inhalation: Sit in a steamy bathroom or use a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to inhale soothing steam.
    • Saline nasal spray: This helps moisturize nasal passages and clear out mucus.
      • Using a saline solution to rinse nasal passages can help relieve congestion and remove irritants. This can be done with a neti pot or saline spray.
    • Humidifiers: Adding moisture to the air can reduce dryness and make it easier to breathe.

    5. Over-the-Counter Medications

    Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help manage cold symptoms:

    • Decongestants: Reduce nasal congestion.
    • Antihistamines: Alleviate sneezing and runny nose.
    • Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce fever and relieve aches.

    Always follow dosing instructions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions.

    6. Boost Your Immune System

    While a cold must run its course, you can support your immune system by:

    • Eating nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and soups.
    • Supplementing with vitamin C or zinc, if advised by your physician.
    • Avoiding smoking or alcohol, as these can weaken your body’s ability to heal.

    7. Complementary and Integrative Approaches

    Some individuals explore complementary health approaches for cold management:

    • Zinc: Studies suggest that zinc lozenges may shorten the duration of cold symptoms if taken within 24 hours of onset.
      NCCIH
    • Vitamin C: Regular intake of vitamin C has not been proven to prevent colds, but it may slightly reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.
      NCCIH
    • Echinacea: Research on echinacea’s effectiveness is mixed, with some studies indicating potential benefits in reducing cold symptoms, while others show no significant effect.
      NCCIH
    • Honey: Buckwheat honey has been found to be effective in reducing nighttime cough in children. However, honey should not be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.

    8. Practice Good Hygiene

    If you have a cold, protect those around you by washing your hands often, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoiding close contact with others. Staying home from work or social events when you are contagious is also a considerate choice.

    9. When to Seek Medical Attention

    While most colds resolve on their own, consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

    • Symptoms lasting more than 10 days.
    • Severe symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
    • Worsening symptoms after initial improvement.

    These could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical evaluation. 

    Colds are inconvenient but manageable with the right care. Prioritize rest, hydration, and gentle remedies, and consider combining over-the-counter medications with complementary approaches to support your recovery. While there is no cure for the common cold, these strategies can help alleviate symptoms. If you have concerns about your symptoms or need additional support, Everwell Health Solutions is here to help. For more detailed information about managing the common cold, visit the CDC’s Common Cold webpage. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting new treatments, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

    We hope you enjoyed these tips for common cold relief. Stay well!