Cold and Flu season is here! Horray! {Note sarcasm font}
Cold & flu season happens from mid-October through March (although you can catch both a cold and/or the flu any time of the year -- that is when it is most prevalent).
While I strongly recommend that all people get a flu shot (pregnant women are especially at risk for colds and flu), once you get the flu -- it is too late to get a flu shot.
So, here are some tips for preventing colds & flu, and after that, I will share some tips on what to do if you have one.
1. Wash hands.
Sure, it sounds simple -- you've done this since you were a child, but washing hands is the BEST way to keep colds and cases of flu from spreading.
Pro Tips:
- Sing the happy birth song twice while you wash. It will bring a smile to your face, AND make sure you get all those nasty germs off your hands in the process
- Make sure to get between fingers, and under the fingernails
- Don't use antibacterial soaps, as the friction of washing, and traditional soaps is plenty (unless you are in a healthcare setting).
2. Eat a balanced diet
Make sure to eat the rainbow! Sure, lots of fruits and veggies say THEY are the cure for the common cold, but the reality is you need lots of different vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy.
I, personally, am focusing on eating 5 servings of fruits/veggies (I try to make sure I get AT LEAST 3 of veggies) each day. It is amazing how much "room" that takes up in your belly, so you just don't have the will to eat much more.
3. Water, and lots of it.
Now, I'm not going so far to say that you need your urine to be clear -- but by staying properly hydrated, you can make sure to give your body the ability to fight back better!
Ok, now let's talk about what to do if you get a cold or the flu:
1. If you think it's the flu -- your doctor CAN prescribe something early on in the flu process to help you get over it quicker. Please note: This medication can have some weird side effects, and can be very expensive depending on your prescription plan -- so that is something to watch out for. BUT, I know a lot of people who SWEAR by it and said it helped them from missing too much work.
2. Water, and lots of it -- sound familiar? Yup, water can help you fight something coming on, and it can also help your body flush it out. Especially with colds and flu - -water can be your #1 hero in the immune fight. Make sure you're drinking a lot of it.
Personally, when I'm sick (because too much water starts to make me feel a little sick) -- I like to alternate between a big cup of water, and then something else like fruit punch or a honey/lemon tea. Just something with a little extra flavor.
3. Tylenol.
Sure, you think it's not helpful at all -- but Tylenol in the fight against fevers and body aches can actually be REALLY helpful. Sometimes more helpful than other things (although, it is shorter lasting). Don't think it won't work -- give it a try! And, try to take it every 4-6 hours so that it stays effective for you all day!
So, those are my best 3 tips for colds and flus.
They're no fun, and they're REALLY no fun when you're pregnant.
You may THINK you'll never feel better, but I find with proper care and management you'll feel better soon and be back to your regular self. :)
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