Feeling lousy? The good news about flu is the vast majority of people recover with rest and time. Some things to do while you wait to feel better:
1. Stay home. First of all, you need rest. Second, you don't want to spread the illness. You should stay home until your fever is gone and you're feeling recovered.
2. Drink lots of fluids: water, broth, and sports drinks are all ideal. Sports drinks or pedialyte are an especially good idea if you're vomiting or have diarrhea, as some people do with H1N1.
3. Rest. Sleep when you feel like sleeping. Watch TV on the couch when you don't.
4. Use over-the-counter fever reducers, cough medicines, and pain killers as needed for comfort.
The CDC recommends talking to a doctor if you're in a high-risk group. The high risk group includes children, pregnant women, people over 65, and those who suffer from an underlying health condition like asthma or diabetes. You don't have to go in to see the doc, but it's a good idea to call.
If you have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe or persistent vomiting, you should IMMEDIATELY get care (in an ER, if necessary)
-N. Kritzer
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