It’s that time again when you might start feeling a little scratch in your throat or a fever coming on. Cold and flu season is never fun, especially when you’re the one fighting off sickness. We know how awful it can be to get sick, so we’ve come up with this quick guide to help keep you healthy and happy.

Recognizing a Cold vs. the Flu

Everyone has had a cold at some point, and the symptoms of a cold are easy to spot. They include: 

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Sore throat

These symptoms are unpleasant, but most people get over the worst of a cold in just a few days. If you come up against the following additional symptoms, you’re likely dealing with the flu:

• Severe body aches
  
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills and sweats

Knowing the difference can help you decide if you can ride it out or need to call your doctor. 

5 Tips for Staying Healthy

It’s no secret that prevention is the best medicine. Here are five steps you can take to avoid picking up a cold or flu in the first place. 

1. Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands well is one of the best ways to keep cold and flu viruses at bay, but only if you do it right. The CDC recommends lathering up and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds each time.

2. Watch Your Diet

Ensure you’re getting adequate nutrition. Your body needs protein, vitamins and minerals to maintain its defenses, so stock up on those veggies and lean meats.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Your body slows down when it’s tired, making it harder to fight off a cold or flu, so get your seven to eight hours of shut-eye each night.

4. De-Stress

Stress throws off your immune system, so do what you can to relax. 

5. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is crucial for health in general. We’re about 60% water, so staying hydrated is necessary for all functions — including those of your immune system. 

Tips for Relieving Cold and Flu Symptoms

If you haven’t managed to avoid getting sick, you’ll want to know how you can minimize your symptoms as you recover. Try these tips: 

• Stay home and rest
• Treat aches and fever with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen
• Take care of your cough with expectorants
• Spend some time in a steamed-up bathroom to ease your breathing
• Run a humidifier if your indoor environment is dry
• Up your fluid intake

Banish Symptoms Fast With IV Hydration

An in-home IV for the cold or flu is the fastest way to feel better when you’re sick. Rocky Mountain IV Medics comes to your home with your choice of IV treatment, to get you thoroughly hydrated. 

You can choose from pure saline or one of our packages containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or medications. To achieve swift relief, contact Rocky Mountain IV Medics to get your IV for flu and cold symptoms.