Rest
A viral illness is usually associated with
fatigue and feeling generally unwell. This is your body telling you to
rest. Take a few days away from your normal routine to give your immune
system a chance to fight. Many people try to keep going, prioritizing
work or study and consequently prolonging the course of the illness. The
best advice is to allow yourself some time off.
Maintain your fluid intake. Viral symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and headache are much worse if you are dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during a viral illness. You will know you are hydrated if you are passing the usual amount of urine. Someone with a high fever requires more fluid due to the increased body temperature. Note the amount of fluids in and the the losses (e.g. vomiting, passing urine, loose stool)
Take herbal remedies. They may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of viral illness (in particular colds and flu like illness) These include Zinc, vitamin C and echinacea. Some people take these supplements regularly to help prevent a viral infection.
Try over-the-counter analgesics to ease pain and fever. Paracetamol 1g every four to six hours for adults is a very effective way to manage a viral illness. Ibuprofen can be taken alone or in combination with paracetamol to allieviate the symptoms.
Eat well. Many people attest to the healing effects of hot chicken soup, or a nice bowl of minestrone soup.
Use humidifiers and vapor rub to improve congestion. There is no evidence to support the use of cough syrup.
Maintain your fluid intake. Viral symptoms such as fever, tiredness, and headache are much worse if you are dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during a viral illness. You will know you are hydrated if you are passing the usual amount of urine. Someone with a high fever requires more fluid due to the increased body temperature. Note the amount of fluids in and the the losses (e.g. vomiting, passing urine, loose stool)
Take herbal remedies. They may reduce the duration and severity of symptoms of viral illness (in particular colds and flu like illness) These include Zinc, vitamin C and echinacea. Some people take these supplements regularly to help prevent a viral infection.
Try over-the-counter analgesics to ease pain and fever. Paracetamol 1g every four to six hours for adults is a very effective way to manage a viral illness. Ibuprofen can be taken alone or in combination with paracetamol to allieviate the symptoms.
Eat well. Many people attest to the healing effects of hot chicken soup, or a nice bowl of minestrone soup.
Use humidifiers and vapor rub to improve congestion. There is no evidence to support the use of cough syrup.
Tips
- Most common infections are viral. Antibiotic treatment is ineffective against a virus. If you suspect your infection may be caused by a viral illness stay home and engage the above steps (rest, fluids, simple pain relief). If there is no improvement in a few days, or symptoms are getting worse, then it may be time to see a doctor.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a varied diet keeps your immune system strong.
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent transmission of infections. If you are unwell, stay home and don't expose others to your virus, especially those who are very old, very young or very sick.
Warnings
- Persisting high fever, hacking cough, or other severe symptoms should prompt a visit to your doctor. On occasion, a bacterial infection may develop.
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