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By zp7op | Contributor
Cooler weather inevitably signals the arrival of the cough, cold, and flu season. It’s important now to take preventive measures and establish healthy habits.
“As much as we try, it’s challenging to completely avoid viruses, bacteria, and germs that can lead to illness,” stated Dr. Tim Tiutan, MD. “However, being ready with appropriate remedies, listening to your body and its symptoms, and maintaining a healthy routine is just as critical as directly addressing symptoms.”
To help you manage this cough, cold, and flu season, here are some recommendations from Tiutan and the team at Mucinex.
Prepare and Prevent
While there’s no guaranteed method to keep germs at bay, you can lower your risk of getting sick and ensure you’re prepared to handle any illness.
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Maintain healthy habits. Keeping your body in optimal condition makes you better equipped to defend against germs. This includes regular exercise and a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients.
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Get vaccinated against the flu. The flu shot gives your body an advantage in combating flu viruses. If exposed after vaccination, your immune response can quickly target those germs. While you may still experience symptoms, they are likely to be milder, allowing for a quicker recovery.
- Restock your medicine cabinet. The onset of cough, cold, and flu season is an excellent opportunity to check your medicine supplies. Discard any expired medications and list items that need replenishment, such as pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines, and cough syrups. Additionally, replenish essentials like tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer, and antibacterial soap.
Treat Symptoms
Although the flu can ramp up quickly, it can be difficult to discern if symptoms are from a common cold or influenza initially. Regardless, managing symptoms such as coughing can provide relief, enhance comfort, and support restful sleep.
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Allow your body time to recover. Sleep is vital for your health, especially when you’re feeling unwell. Aim for 7-9 hours a night to allow your body to recharge. When sick, you may require even more rest, and it’s wise to reduce your activity level as pushing yourself can prolong recovery.
- Follow medication guidelines. Persistent symptoms can interfere with sleep. Effectively managing these symptoms can give your body the respite it needs. A troublesome cough can be painful and disrupt rest. Consider using Mucinex DM 12-Hour, a cough suppressant that alleviates chest congestion and helps thin and loosen mucus, providing long-lasting relief for up to 12 hours.
Prevent Spread
While you may not have full control over getting sick, you can take measures to help protect others from germs when you’re feeling unwell.
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Limit the spread of germs. Regular handwashing, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and using your elbow if a tissue isn’t on hand are practical ways to minimize germ transmission, especially in your home or workplace. Frequently disinfecting high-touch surfaces also helps.
- Avoid social interactions. If you’re feeling ill, it’s best to stay home. Even a mild cold can spread easily, and what is minor for you could pose significant issues for someone else. Limit unnecessary outings and consider options like curbside pickup if you need to go out. Check with your employer about the possibility of remote work if you’re able.
For additional strategies to stay healthy and alleviate symptoms, visit Mucinex.com.
Cold vs. Flu
The symptoms of a cold and the flu can overlap significantly, making it tricky to determine whether you’re dealing with a cold or influenza and how best to address it.
Even though both are respiratory illnesses, they originate from different viruses. While colds are an annoyance, they are typically less likely to escalate into something more serious than the flu.
What is a Cold?
Colds are usually milder compared to the flu and are more inclined to cause runny or stuffy noses (the flu can also cause these symptoms but is less likely to). You may not feel great, but you’ll probably still manage some or all of your daily activities. The flu generally hits harder, often making it difficult to work or maintain your regular routine.
What is the Flu?
The flu often feels worse than a cold; symptoms may be similar but more intense. Influenza tends to bring more pain and fever compared to a cold. Typical flu symptoms include sore throat, chills, fever, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches or fatigue, and headaches. The flu carries a higher risk of leading to serious conditions and complications, making it more perilous than a common cold. While the average cold is rarely severe, the flu can be serious for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Treating a Cold vs. Flu
You can receive a vaccine for the flu, but there is no vaccine for the common cold. If advised by your healthcare provider, getting the flu vaccine annually can significantly aid in sickness prevention.
Regardless of whether you have a cold or the flu, relief for symptoms is generally similar. Ensure you get ample rest, stay hydrated, and use over-the-counter medications to ease symptoms. Stay home to prevent spreading the illness, wash your hands frequently, and cover your mouth during coughing or sneezing.
Watch for severe symptoms like shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, confusion, sudden dizziness, severe or ongoing vomiting, and flu symptoms that improve and then return with fever and a worsened cough. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Editor’s Note: This content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not constitute medical or other professional guidance.
