top of page

102780 US Hwy 59 - Sallisaw, OK 74955

Tel: (918) 571-6281  

Search

Self-Care for Viral Illness

ageenahass

It's the season for all the viruses. Everywhere I look someone is down with the yucks - sneezing, coughing, throwing up, fevers, headaches, it's just awful. But for most of us with good self-care, this too shall pass. Old wives tales talk about chicken soup, my dad made hot toddies, and of course there is old adage to feed a cold and starve a fever, or was that feed a fever and starve a cold, I never could keep that one straight.


The basic things you need to recover from a viral illness - rest, hydration, and protein if you're hungry. Let's start at the top...


Rest - means exactly what it says, rest. Sleep when you can. Sleep as much as you can.


Hydration - sometimes this one is harder because we're sick! I like a lot of things for hydration, plain water is fine, but so is Pedialyte, watered down Gatorade, something with some salt and sugar in it is best. I like a few crystals of salt and a little orange juice in my glass of water, however you get those electrolytes in there is good. You need to drink enough that you are urinating at least 4 times a day - urine should look like lemonade or lighter, never ever like tea!


Protein - when you are hungry it's time for some protein. This is where that chicken soup comes in. But there are other things too, when I was a kid my mom would make us Jello and we would drink it warm, felt nice and some protein too. I would avoid dairy, it make phlegm worse. Gentle things are easier on the stomach, scrambled eggs, chicken, broths, probably not time for the spicy foods but that will come when you feel better.


Over the Counter Medications that are Helpful

  • Tylenol/Ibuprofen - often given to keep fevers down and for the misery factor. As far as fevers go, they are natural part of your bodies system to help you get better - if you can, let them run their natural course. Fever's under 105 aren't dangerous to most people, and oh by the way anything under 100.4 isn't considered a fever by your doctor, even if it makes you miserable. So take some tylenol or ibuprofen if you are just miserable and can't stand it - otherwise ride it out. Best thing for littles is to let them play in their diaper or in the tub.

  • Guaifenesin - just plain, without any added ingredients, pill or liquid, thins out mucus and helps you get it out of sinuses and well everywhere else! Honey will do this too and almost as effectively.

  • Vicks Sinex Severe will clear out your stuffed up sinuses super fast!

  • Vicks Vapor Rub - also helpful, it's the eucalyptus in it that makes it so good. My dad used to eat the stuff and stick it up his nose, 100 percent do not recommend, yuck! But rub it on chest and back, bottoms of feet, it helps. Some in the shower with the hot water to make that eucalyptus smelling steam, also helps.

  • What about DayQuil and NyQuil and all the other sinus/cold/flu concoctions - personally I would leave them at the store and go home with the stuff to make some hot toddies and chicken soup!


Homemade Electrolyte Drink - I like this recipe 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 2 teaspoons raw honey, mix and sip to stay hydrated. You can search online for other recipes, many are listed under oral rehydration solutions.



Hot Toddy - or as my father-in-law was fond of saying a toddy for the body. You can add the alcohol or not, anyway it makes the throat feel better and calms a cough. Mark's favorite - 1 ounce bourbon or whiskey, 1 ounce honey, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 10-12 ounces hot water and add a tea bag of your choice of flavor. He makes these for me when I'm sick, so yummy!


Chicken soup - when I'm sick I don't want to cook, let's be real, I don't want to do anything. But I love chicken soup. Water, chicken bouillon and boil some pasta in it and it passes for chicken soup and I feel much better.


So here's hoping you can avoid all the viruses that are going around! If you can't and you need help, you can always call, we'll even make a housecall to care for you!

7 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Ouch my back! Oh my neck!

Back hurting? Tried everything else? Neck hurting? No matter what you do it's not getting better? Ready for some new solutions? Friday...

What is that thing?

Skin tag. Wart. Cyst. Lipoma. Seborrheic Keratosis. Argh. It's annoying. Make it stop! Ready to get rid of those unsightly, annoying...

Comentários


ADDRESS

102780 US Hwy 59  

Sallisaw, OK 74955

Tel: (918) 571-6281

​

Aerodev, LLC

OPENING HOURS

Appointments available:

Monday 6pm-midnight

Tuesday 6pm-midnight

Thursday 6pm-midnight

Friday 6pm-midnight

Saturday 10am-10pm

Sunday 2-8 pm

​

 Text or Call:  (918) 571-6281 for appointment time. 

​

**Need a time outside this - call and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule**

​

​

SUBSCRIBE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Thanks for submitting!

© Your Best Health, LLC

bottom of page