As the summer season has ended, the possibilities of getting the flu rise. Although the seasonal influenza (flu) can be detected throughout the whole year, the danger of the flu viruses is the highest during the fall and winter. Changing weather conditions and seasons cause enormous dryness and low humidity, which allows the virus to spread more efficiently. Although in most cases not life-threatening, the flu can be very persistent and tiring to the body, sticking you to the bed for days. However, if you already caught the virus and before you visit the nearest modern general practice and see your trustworthy doctor, here are some tips on how you can help your body deal with it in the fastest way possible.
Make Sure to Recognize It
In order to treat it properly, we must understand that the flu is very easily mistaken for the common cold, although the differences are many. Both flu and the common cold are respiratory illnesses, although caused by different viruses. However, the flu in most cases includes fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue (tiredness). On the other hand, typical symptoms of a cold are usually milder and take longer to develop.
How to Deal With Symptoms
One of the most important things you can do for yourself when you have the flu is to allow your body to rest and heal, fight off the infection and boost your immune system back to its previous condition. This assumes you need to stay hydrated with water and tea, healthy soups and stew that will keep your energy level high. However, even if you decided to rest and stay in bed until the symptoms are over, you also need to make sure you are in a healthy environment. If you are a smoker, stop it immediately, and if your friends smoke, kindly ask them not to smoke in front of you. Being around noxious chemicals in cigarettes will only worsen your respiratory symptoms and prolong the treatment. Another common mistake many patients make is try to ignore the symptoms, hoping they will go away. Going to work while in pain and feeling sick will not help your immune system nor your colleagues and it will, in fact, only prolong the process of healing. Most importantly, this way you are putting yourself at risk for longer-lasting and possibly even more severe symptoms. Do the symptoms persevere, don’t hesitate to visit your general practitioner.
Visit the Closest Trustworthy Medical Clinic
If you’re visiting the Netherlands and happen to feel sick and recognize some or maybe all of these symptoms, be sure to find the closest medical clinic in Amsterdam or a recommended specialized healthcare professional for tourists. After finding a trustworthy doctor, you are already one step ahead of getting back to your feet and battling the flu.