How to treat the flu

The flu is an unpleasant, uncomfortable, life invading illness. It usually lasts from 1 to 3 days and is accompanied by several symptoms that can make your life miserable, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches and dehydration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• OTC Flu medication

1. First and foremost, hydrate. As is the nature of the flu, you are going to be losing body fluids, most likely in several different but equally uncomfortable fashions. It is usually difficult to keep fluids down so choose something like Gatorade (it has calories and tastes better on the way back up than water does) and after every time you vomit, force yourself to drink some. You usually feel better five to ten minutes after vomiting so take advantage of this time. Also, sip at the beverage as much as possible, even if that means forcing yourself to.
2. Call in to the office. You don't need to spread this germ around, nor do you need to waste any energy.
3. Sleep. Sleep as much as possible. Make yourself a comfy little bed on the couch with crackers on one side of you (nibble as much as possible) and Gatorade on the other, put the TV on something you can watch or fall asleep to, and RELAX. Have a bucket next to you as needed for vomiting. Take an OTC medication to help with reducing your fever and WAIT. Rest. Recover.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless your temperature is over 104 degrees or you are suffering from severe dehydration there is no need for you to go to the doctor. There is nothing they will really be able to do for you, and you will be spreading the flu in an environment that has many elderly folks who are put at risk by the flu. Treat your symptoms at home and ride it out.