Fitness Facts: What to do for a cold or the flu – GCU Today
By Connie Colbert
GCU Director of Health Services
So you are sick with a cold or the flu. Now what?
Here are some self-care tips to manage your symptoms and put you on the road to recovery.
Connie Colbert
Flu symptoms can make you feel terrible. But if you are otherwise healthy, younger than age 65 and not pregnant, you generally can take care of yourself at home rather than going to your doctor.
Try these remedies:
To avoid infecting other people, stay home from work, school and other public places for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications. Most people feel better within a week of becoming infected with the flu virus. However, coughing may last for another one or two weeks.
Also, know when to call the doctor!
Call 911 or seek emergency help for trouble breathing or increased shortness of breath, confusion, sudden dizziness, stiff neck chest pain, seizure, extreme fussiness in a baby or trouble waking a baby.
Don’t ask for antibiotics. They work only against infections caused by bacteria. The flu is a viral infection.
