The holiday season is full of joy, excitement, and festivities. However, it’s also the time of year when colds and the flu seem to make their unwelcome appearance. After the celebrations are over, many people find themselves battling the sniffles, sore throat, or fatigue that comes with a cold or the flu. If you’re recovering from a post-holiday cold or flu, you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to speed up your recovery and feel better fast.

For same-day cold and flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen. Our team specializes in seasonal care for patients of all ages. No appointments are required– just walk-in today!

Understanding the Differences Between a Cold and the Flu

Before diving into treatment options, it’s important to differentiate between a cold and the flu, as the symptoms and severity can vary.

• Cold: Symptoms typically include a stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, and low-grade fever. Colds usually develop gradually and tend to be less severe than the flu.

• Flu: Flu symptoms come on suddenly and can include high fever, body aches, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. The flu can be more severe than a cold and may require a longer recovery time.

Regardless of whether you have a cold or the flu, it’s important to take care of yourself and follow a few key recovery strategies.

Steps To Take For A Post-Holiday Flu or Cold

1. Rest and Recover

One of the most important things you can do for your body is to rest. The body needs time and energy to fight off the infection and heal. Give yourself permission to take a break from your usual routine. Allow your body to sleep, relax, and regain strength. Even if you feel like you’re getting better, it’s crucial to get plenty of sleep to help your immune system do its job.

2. Stay Hydrated

Both the cold and flu can lead to dehydration, especially if you’re experiencing a fever or a lot of congestion. Drink plenty of fluids like water, herbal tea, and broths to stay hydrated and help thin mucus. Warm liquids can also soothe a sore throat and alleviate some of the discomfort that comes with a cold or flu.

3. Manage Symptoms

For a sore throat, gargle with warm salt water or use throat lozenges to ease irritation. For a stuffy nose, use saline nasal sprays or a neti pot to clear out mucus. A humidifier can also help keep air moist and prevent your nasal passages from drying out. For a cough, try using over-the-counter cough medicines for relief. OTC medications can also be used to reduce fever and alleviate body aches.

4. Wash Your Hands Frequently

To avoid spreading the cold or flu to others, be diligent about washing your hands. Colds and flu are contagious and can spread easily through contact with surfaces or respiratory droplets. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

5. Know When To Seek Medical Attention

In most cases, cold and flu symptoms improve with rest and self-care. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience the following: shortness of breath, persistent high fever, severe chest pain, and symptoms that worsen or don’t improve.

Get Cold & Flu Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen

A post-holiday cold or flu can put a damper on the flu and relaxation of the season, but by taking the right steps to rest, hydrate, manage your symptoms, and take care of your body, you can recover more quickly and get back to feeling your best. If you have any concerns or if symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Aberdeen for further guidance and treatment. Our providers can diagnose your symptoms, offer appropriate treatments, and ensure you are on the right path to recovery. The center is conveniently located at 1140 State Route 34 in Aberdeen, NJ, and we provide our services with no appointment required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. For more information on the services we provide, please contact our team directly at (732) 583-5100.