Everyone falls prey to cold and flu viruses and bacteria once in a while. The reason can be anything from changing weather to getting wet in the rain. Cold and flu have become so common that you might not even consider them serious enough or worth visiting a doctor. However, the right treatment at the right time will bring you back on your toes sooner.
Symptoms of cold and flu
While thecold is less severe than theflu, it usually starts with at throat infection followed by a runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough. Light nasal secretions turn darker and thicker after the first few days of catching a cold. Children also often have a fever with a cold, which is uncommon in adults. Flu symptoms appear faster and include a sore throat, headache, fever, muscle soreness, aches, cough, and congestion. Do you have any of these symptoms? With Lybrate, you can ask questions online and seek advice from an expert from the comforts of your home.
Natural home remedies
Don’t want to take over-the-counter medicines? Try natural home remedies for quick relief from some of the symptoms. To ease congestion, inhalesteam. You can also add eucalyptus oil or menthol ointment in the hot water. To ease the tingling sensation due to at throat infection, gargle using warm water with salt or with a germicide gargle, which is easily available in pharmacies. Drink a lot of hot or warm fluids to thin out the mucus and keep yourself well-hydrated.But if the symptoms persist, visit a doctor immediately.
Consult a doctor at the right time
Flu symptoms can become severe if they’re not treated at the right time and can cause serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, and lead to hospitalizations. Avoid a cold or flu from worsening your health by consulting a doctor with a seamless online reservation system at Lybrate. Use our platform to book an online appointment with a general physician, you can escape from the long waiting time and billing queues at any hospital.Search for the best hospitals like ESI Hospital, Apollo Hospital Chennai and many more to find the best doctors in different cities.
Healthy habits avoid cold and flu
You can prevent a bout of cold orfluby including healthy habits in your lifestyle. Always cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing to avoid germs from spreading. Wash your hands often, especially after you’ve been outside your house. Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with dirty hands. Practice healthy habits, eat healthy food, and stay physically active to keep your immune system strong.