It is always caused by a virus, which is why antibiotics are sometimes useless. Here’s how to behave and what medications to take to heal soon.
You can’t go wrong: the fever sets on abruptly, and soars above 38 ° C. And then there’s that sense of exhaustion, the feeling of being all broken and the heavy head. We caught the flu.
It usually passes within a week, but often leaves traces that can last up to twenty days. To better overcome the infection we can implement some winning behaviors and rely on the right drugs.
Rest and liquids at will
It is useless to think that we can continue our everyday life: we would only prolong the inevitable sequence of symptoms that accompany the infection. At the first signs of influence, therefore, the best strategy involves rest.
Being at home warm for a few days and tiring as little as possible saves the energy necessary for our body to fight its battle against invading viruses.
Let’s remember to drink a lot, especially if the fever is high and makes us sweat: water, vegetable centrifuges, smoothies, tea help maintain the right hydration and, thanks to vitamins and antioxidants, give a hand to the immune system.
And then, let’s not overload digestion: we make light meals, but that contain proteins, essential to produce antibodies.
Keep symptoms at bay with over-the-counter medications
To mitigate the disorders related to the infection, especially to lower the fever when it is too high and alleviate those pains that make us all feel broken, let’s entrust, in the first instance, to self-medication.
They are the anti-inflammatories that we can buy in the pharmacy independently, without a doctor’s prescription, such as acetylsalicylic acid (Asa), paracetamol, ibuprofen. To be used with common sense and responsibility, following the instructions in the package leaflet.
If there are no contraindications, such as hypersensitivity or allergy to NSAIDs, gastric disorders or serious coagulation defects, over 16 years of age the use of NSAIDs, preferably together with vitamin C, will lower fever and feel better.
For younger children and young people it would always be advisable to consult the pediatrician first.
Correct dosages and time-limited use
It is important, however, to use dosages commensurate with the severity of the disorders and for a limited period.
This reduces the likelihood of any side effects occurring and, at the same time, alleviates the symptoms without completely eliminating them, allowing us to evaluate the progress of the infection.
With the warning to always take the tablets on a full stomach: just eat a little bread or biscuits first.
If the temperature does not exceed 38 degrees and the discomfort is not too intense, it is certainly preferable not to resort to any medication, leaving the infection to resolve on its own.
In any case, if after 4-5 days the symptoms do not subside or even worsen, it is better to contact your doctor: superinfections or complications may have occurred that must be treated appropriately.
Antibiotics only if prescribed by your doctor
It is always useful to remember that in influenza, as in all other winter respiratory syndromes, the primary cause is a virus. Only later can bacterial infections occur because viruses, especially flu viruses, lower our immune defenses.
Unless in special cases, therefore, in the first instance the antibiotic not only does not serve,
Antibiotics are able to fight bacteria, but they have no action against viruses, nor do they lower fever or relieve flu symptoms. On the other hand, they weaken the body, reducing the chances of eliminating viruses and, therefore, of healing quickly.
In addition, their excessive use can also favor the development of bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics themselves, thus making them ineffective in case of subsequent infections, just when they would be needed.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
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