What to do if you get the Flu – 10 Flu Recovery Tips

This is a sponsored post through Shoppers Drug Mart. All opinions and experiences are 100% my own.

The flu has been making its rounds in our city; much like the rest of Canada. While a few of my own family have fallen ill, I think our downtime was drastically reduced and symptoms were not as severe because we all got the flu shot. My asthmatic daughter was the hardest hit. The Doctor confirmed the flu was the culprit and recommended these 10 flu recovery tips, but praised us for protecting her with the flu shot saying she wasn’t nearly as sick as she could have been and recovered more quickly.

Experts say the flu has been extra hard on kids this year; out of 2,000+ cases of the flu so far in Saskatchewan, at least eight people have died, including 3 school-aged children. Flu shot protection to build immunity against influenza and taking care of yourself with these flu recovery tips are crucial for recovery.

Now, just as we thought the worst of flu season was behind us, our own friends and family have started coming down with the flu as well! Be it classmates, hockey, cheer or basketball teammates, there have been many kids missing, at home sick. While the flu shot is always your best defence, these 10 Flu Recovery Tips will help ease symptoms should flu come to your household.

10 Flu Recovery Tips

1. Stay Home – Do not risk spreading the flu to others. Doctors recommend staying home 24 hours after your fever has gone, without the help of fever reducers. Besides, being out and about while you feel your worst won’t help you get better faster. If you have to leave the house to seek medical care or get supplies, wear a mask.
2. Get Cozy – You may be sick for a few days; keep yourself comfortable, warm and set up with all the remedies you may need to help decrease the severity of your symptoms. It’s okay to rest; that load of laundry or sink of dishes can wait.
3. Hydrate – Drink plenty of water. Your body is working extra hard trying to fight the flu; with high fevers, we feel less like eating or drinking when we are sick, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
4. Reduce Fevers – Take fever-reducing medicine for fevers, headaches, aches and pains. It’s good to allow your body to run a low-grade fever, after all, that’s how your body fights the flu virus and builds immunity. Not only can high fevers be dangerous, but there is also no reason you need to be miserable or in pain. Take a fever reducer before bedtime, and use a humidifier to ease your nighttime coughing, for your best chance at a good sleep
5. Soothe Pain – Soothe your sore throat with a hot beverage, honey and cough drops throughout the day. I always make sure to have a good stock of flu home remedies from Shoppers Drug Mart because there is nothing worse than feeling terrible and having to run to the store for supplies.
6. Gargle with Salt Water – It doesn’t taste the best, but it’s a proven remedy when trying to soothe a sore throat. Not only does gargling with salt water help combat bacteria growth, it reduces discomfort.
7. Have a Hot Bath or Shower – Soothe aches, pains and chills with a hot, not too hot, bath or shower and as a bonus, the steam will help clear your stuffy nose, so you can breathe a bit better.
8. Wash Hands & Sanitize – This is important for prevention and is equally important to help prevent the spread of the flu when you have it. Cough into your arm, wash your hands often and don’t forget to sanitize surfaces once you’re recovered.
9. Seek Medical Help – Young children, elderly and those with certain medical conditions, are at risk for flu-related complications. It’s best to contact your doctor or pharmacist earlier in your illness if you are considered high risk.
10. Sleep – Try to get more sleep; it’s the best way to fight the flu and allow your body to recover as quickly as possible. Grab that pillow, curl up in that blanket and don’t feel one bit bad for taking a nap when you need it most.

When the flu strikes, make sure you follow these Flu Recovery Tips and if you haven’t already received the flu shot, it’s not too late to protect yourself! Shoppers Drug Mart offers flu shots across Canada, no appointment necessary, making it easier for busy families.

For more information on flu shot facts, check out Shoppers Drug Mart website FAQ’s or join in the #ShoppersFluCrew conversation by sharing your flu recovery tips with me on Twitter @thislilpiglet and @ShopprsDrugMart.

Giveaway includes the following items in the gift pack, a $150 CAD value:

• Life Brand Hand Sanitizer
• Cough Drops
• Electrolyte Maintenance Powder
• Disinfectant Wipes
• Digital Thermometer
• PC Chicken Noodle Soup
• PC Lemon Ginger tea
• PC Stainless Steel Insulated Hot or Cold Water Bottle
• Facial Tissues
• $100 SDM gift card