If you have high blood pressure or problems with your liver or kidneys, ask your doctor to recommend the right cold medication for you. You can buy cold and flu medicines that contain acetaminophen at most drugstores and pharmacies. Note that in the United States, you have to be 18 years old to buy medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, which is a common ingredient in cold medication. Never give cold medicine to a child who’s 4-years-old or younger without first getting approval from a doctor. Some medications include ingredients that you shouldn’t give to young children, such as ibuprofen.
Examples of NSAIDs you might take for body aches include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. If you can’t take either of these medications due to kidney problems, stomach concerns, or other medical conditions, ask your doctor about alternative options for treating your body aches with medication. Don’t give aspirin to children or adolescents, as it increases the risk of Reye’s Syndrome. This is especially true when the child or teen is recovering from the flu, as viral infections are also a risk factor for Reye’s Syndrome. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
You can also use magnesium bath salts, such as Epsom salt, or lotions to absorb the magnesium through your skin. You can buy magnesium supplements at any pharmacy and most grocery stores that sell dietary supplements.
Because you’re also contagious when you have the flu, staying home to rest is also very considerate for your workmates and schoolmates. If you’re also congested, rest with your head propped up in an elevated position to make it easier for you to breathe. While you’re resting at home, make sure you wash your hands well and avoid contact with others so you don’t spread the flu to them.
Try drinking warm liquids, like tea or warm lemon water, to also soothe your throat if it’s sore.
Bathing for too long can lead to your skin becoming severely dried out. If your bath goes longer than 15 minutes, apply moisturizer to your skin immediately after you get out. Try adding epsom salts to your bath to also absorb magnesium as you soak.
Conversely, if you’re shivering and experiencing chills, you may need to use a warm cloth to increase your body temperature and prevent your muscles from seizing up.
Avoid applying the oil to sensitive areas of your body. Examples of essential oils with pain-relieving properties include ginger, black pepper, peppermint, wintergreen, birch, eucalyptus, and rosemary. [10] X Research source These essential oils also stimulate circulation and boost your immune system, which helps your body recover from the flu faster and fighter off additional infections. [11] X Research source
