Cold and flu season is here. If you haven't managed to dodge a sore throat, runny nose or fever, we know you
could use some relief. Our Senior Medical Director, Dr. Lisa Arian, has a few tips to help you start feeling
better.
Drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.
When you're sick, you can lose fluids from having diarrhea, vomiting, sweating or having a fever.
Dehydration can make you feel worse, leading to dizziness, tiredness and a rapid heartbeat, among other
symptoms. To keep these at bay, have water, herbal tea, soup and electrolyte drinks on hand.
“Drinking warm liquids can soothe sore throats, loosen mucus and ease congestion,” Dr. Arian recommends.
“Try to avoid alcohol and drinks with caffeine that can make dehydration worse.”
Gargle with salt water to help a sore throat.
Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water, the Mayo
Clinic says, then gargle. The warm, salty
water can help relieve pain and get
rid of mucus, Dr. Arian explains.
Try a saline nasal spray or drops to ease stuffiness.
“Keep your nasal passages moist and loosen mucus by using saline nasal drops or a spray,” she says.
You can also run a humidifier to keep rooms from being too dry, which may help with stuffiness.
Over-the-counter medication or prescription medication may help.
Lower a fever and lessen pain with acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin. Antibiotics won't cure a cold
virus, but they can help treat secondary infections from the flu.
“Take all medications as directed,” Dr. Arian says, “and if you have questions, check with your primary
care physician or PCP.”
Learn how to get the most
out of your pharmacy benefits before you need them.
When to get urgent or emergency care
“If you're not sure if your symptoms are serious, you should contact your primary care physician,” Dr.
Arian advises.
If your plan medical group is Sharp Community Medical Group or Sharp Rees-Stealy, you can schedule a convenient
same-day virtual care visit. You can also find an urgent care center in your plan medical group if your
PCP isn't
available. Call Sharp Nurse Connection® if it's after-hours or a
weekend.
If you have any
of these symptoms, you should consider going
to the emergency room or calling 911:
- Dizziness or confusion
- Flu–like symptoms that improve and come back with fever and a worsening cough
- Pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
- Severe or continual vomiting
- Trouble breathing, shortness of breath, rapid breathing or wheezing
Preventive care is important, too
To feel your best this season, there's an important no-cost step you can take — be sure to get your flu shot.
It's
covered under your preventive care benefits, and it's easy to find a vaccination clinic near
you.
But should you get a flu shot if you've already had the flu?
“Yes! You should get a flu shot every year,” Dr. Arian says. “The protection you get from a flu shot weakens over
time,
and the viruses that cause the flu are always changing. Flu shots are updated every year to give you the best
chance to
stay well.”
Check out these flu shot facts for more
information.
If you don't feel well, Dr. Arian recommends taking these steps:
- Stay home if you're sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands with soap and water often.
- Wear a mask and cover coughs and sneezes to stop germs from spreading.
- Disinfect items and surfaces that you touch often.