Flu: What Not to Do During Illness — Doctors' Advice 0 5

1. Do not consult a doctor

The flu is a treacherous disease. For some, it is mild, while for others, it can lead to serious complications and even life-threatening situations. Only a doctor can assess the danger of the infection specifically for you and provide recommendations that can help prevent complications. Additionally, the flu has symptoms similar to other serious diseases: the acute phase of hepatitis C, mononucleosis, viral pneumonia, meningitis, and even HIV. Although each of these diseases has its own characteristics, only a specialist can recognize them.

2. Think that everything will pass on its own

Most viral infections, including the flu, resolve on their own in about a week. However, the flu requires special attention. It triggers a complex immune response, causing the body to expend energy fighting the virus and potentially missing other infections that would normally not be able to penetrate. Against the backdrop of the flu, herpes, exacerbation of thrush, and other diseases may appear. This is a signal that the immune system is heavily overloaded, and the risk of complications is increased.

3. Do not use antiviral medications

Some antiviral drugs are indeed ineffective against the common cold. However, there are medications that have proven effective specifically for the flu. They help alleviate the course of the illness, reduce the burden on the immune system, and speed up recovery by 1–2 days.

4. Taking antibiotics

The flu is a viral disease, and antibiotics only act on bacteria. Taking antibiotics for the flu is not only useless but also dangerous: they disrupt the balance of intestinal microflora, overload the liver, and weaken the body in its fight against the infection.

5. Going to work and public places

The flu lowers immunity and requires significant resources from the body to fight the virus. Additionally, the disease is highly contagious, especially in the first 3–4 days. Therefore, going to work or public places can be dangerous for both you and those around you.

How to Properly Treat the Flu

To recover in 5–7 days, follow these simple rules:

• Make sure it is indeed the flu and not just a common cold, and consult a therapist.

• If the doctor prescribes antiviral medications, start taking them as soon as possible.

• Take sick leave and rest at home. Even if it seems that work will stop without you, that is not an excuse.

• Try to isolate yourself from household members, wear a mask, and conduct regular wet cleaning.

• Do not lower the temperature below 38 °C — this is a natural mechanism for the body to fight the virus. If the temperature is higher or your condition worsens, use medications based on paracetamol or ibuprofen.

• Ventilate the room at least once every one and a half to two hours and maintain humidity levels at 40–60% to make breathing easier.

Following these recommendations will help reduce the risk of complications and restore strength more quickly after illness.