Our team at AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah knows you’ve heard all about the ways to prevent the flu. However, sometimes even with the best of intentions, the flu finds you. But once it does, there are things you can do to lessen its effects. Fight Back Against the Flu Flu season in Tennessee has officially arrived—and it’s fierce. According to WebMD, between 5 and 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year. If that number includes you this year, here’s what you can do to recover and avoid passing the flu along to others. First, stay at home. Although this sounds like common sense, many people try to carry on with normal life and work when dealing with the flu. However, this isn’t good for you, and it definitely isn’t good for your colleagues. The flu virus is extremely contagious. In fact, you can even give the flu to someone else before your symptoms really begin. Imagine how contagious you are after diagnosis. Second, get plenty of rest and drink your fluids! You don’t want the flu to worsen and develop into bronchitis or pneumonia. Rest (and sleep) help boost your immune system so you can recover more quickly, while staying hydrated helps ease congestion and other symptoms. In addition to drinking plenty of fluids, you may also find that using a humidifier or standing in a steamy shower may relieve your congestion. Finally, follow your doctor’s advice. He or she may prescribe an antiviral when you’re diagnosed with the flu, which can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. In addition, your doctor may also suggest OTC medications that can help ease the specific symptoms you’re experiencing, like cough, aches or chest congestion. Feeling like you’ve been run over by a truck? Visit AFC Urgent Care Ooltewah for a quick and painless flu test, so that we can get you on the path to recovery.