The flu is hitting many people hard.

When you have kids, and they get sick, you know there’s a good possibility you’re going to get it. As my Grandmother used to say, “It’s part of family life.” Life is full of ups and downs. 

She was wise.

Her words came back to me recently, as I spent a weekend nursing the flu symptoms I’d been fighting off for a few days. Even if you don’t have kids, and you’re out in the world living your life, there’s a good chance you might catch the flu this season.

While I did everything “right,” in terms of trying to avoid getting the flu, I still got it. Truth be told, I was a little upset after the Lysol spraying, mask wearing, healthy eating, and juicing I’d been doing to keep my daughter’s sickness away.

Dammit.

I know I’m not alone. It seems like everyone knows someone who has the flu.

If you find yourself going down this path, here are a few tips to help you get through it.

Take the drugs

I tried the “natural” path, and let me just say, even though most of the drugs just manage symptoms, that’s OK. Manage your symptoms. There’s no need to feel extra yuckiness if you can prevent it. I had a lot of body aches and a bad headache, and I’m glad I gave in and took the drugs. Thank goodness there’s Tamiflu. I’m sure it helped me feel better faster.

Listen to your body

It’s inconvenient to get sick. But, guess what? It’s even more inconvenient to not let yourself get better. Doing this will just make the duration of your illness last longer. You have to listen to your body. If you’re tired, rest. If you don’t feel good, even if you have

things you have to do, you’re probably going to have to cancel your plans. It isn’t fun. I know you’d rather be doing a lot of other things than sitting at home with the flu. But, give in to it and let yourself stay in bed. Binge Netflix. I caught up on all my shows, which is always fun.

Keep perspective

When you don’t feel good, it’s easy to think, “I’m always going to feel this way.” Especially, if you have a really bad case of the flu and the symptoms are hitting you hard. Try to remember, even though you don’t feel well, it will pass. You will get better. It just has to run its course. As much as you want to press a magic button and be better, the flu takes time to get over. With that said, if you start to get worse, don’t hesitate to call your doctor and ask for help.

Help yourself

Drink hot tea with honey and lemon, take a hot bath or shower, use essential oils, drink plenty of liquids and eat as healthy as possible. This will help your body fight the flu, feel better and hopefully maybe even get well faster. Do what you can to help yourself, and then give in to the fact that you got it, like thousands of other people, and it just is what it is.

Soon it will be Springtime!

Much love,

Dara