From the very first symptoms, it’s important to take being sick seriously. Pushing too hard or trying to ignore it can just make the issue worse over time. Instead, those who are starting to feel sick may want to consider what their symptoms are telling them, get extra rest, and be careful what they eat until they feel better. Some of the best things to do when someone is getting sick include the following.
Check the Symptoms
It can be a good idea to visit a health assessment platform to check out the symptoms and see if they may be more than just feeling a little under the weather. While the person may just have a cold or the flu, they could have something more serious, and checking symptoms early can help them get the right help much faster, so they can recover quickly. Be sure to pay attention to all symptoms, no matter how small, for a more accurate diagnosis.
Get a Lot of Rest
Pushing too hard when sick makes the body work harder to get rid of the illness, and it could end up taking the person a lot longer to recover, or they may end up with more severe symptoms as a result. Instead, it’s better to call in to work or take time off from school and rest when sick. Sleeping when sick can be incredibly beneficial and can give the body the rest it needs to focus on fighting off the illness, so the person can recover faster and be back to normal as soon as possible.
Manage Symptoms
It is important for the person to manage their symptoms and keep an eye on them to see if they’re getting better or worse over time. For fevers, try a lukewarm shower and wear light clothing while resting. For congestion, a saline spray or inhaling steam can help. Those with a sore throat may want to sip on a honey tea or gargle with salt water to get relief. Medication can be used, but that typically masks symptoms instead of helping the person get better naturally.
Eat Light Foods
For many years, practitioners recommended the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet because it was thought that these foods could help people recover faster when they’re sick. It’s not just those foods that can help, though. Being gentle on the stomach can help with recovering from illnesses, but it is important to still eat healthy. Avoid spicy foods, foods that have a lot of flavoring, or are fried. Instead, stick with lighter foods that are healthy and easy to digest.
When to See a Doctor
If the symptoms are getting worse or there are more of them, it may be a good idea to see a doctor for help. It can also be a good idea to talk to a doctor if the person’s fever gets too high, if they are showing signs of dehydration, or if they are sick for more than a week without improving.
If you’re starting to feel sick, especially if you’re concerned it may be something serious, it’s a good idea to take note of all symptoms and check them to find out if you have the flu, a cold, or something more serious. Along with that, use the tips here to rest and work on feeling better as soon as possible.
